University News
Michael Duffie Obituary
April 15, 2026
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Michael Lynn Duffie, 72, of Blandinsville, IL, passed away April 8 at Springfield Memorial Hospital, with his daughters by his side, leaving behind a legacy rooted in family, service and a love of history and sports.
Born November 24, 1953, to Loren and Leona Allison Duffie, he grew up in the Disco/LaHarpe area alongside his five siblings. He graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1971 and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 to 1974.
Duffie dedicated many years of his career as a Building Service Worker, serving from September 1982, until his retirement in January 2011. His strong work ethic and commitment were evident throughout his years of service.
In 1979, Duffie married Brenda Guzman, and together they welcomed her son, Earnie Timmerman, into their family. They soon added Matthew in 1979 and Teri in 1981. Though he and Brenda later divorced, he remained a devoted and loving father. In 1998, he married Bonnie Baker, and the two shared 27 joyful years together until her passing in November 2025.
Duffie was preceded in death by his beloved son, Matthew; his wife, Bonnie; his brother, Doug; sister-in-law, Kate; his parents; and his aunt and second mother, Mary.
He is survived by his children, Teri (Kate) Duffie Fitzgerald, Noel (Brian) Duncan and Steve (Marla) Caywood; his siblings, Carron (Ken) Foster, Cathie (Ray) Bunch, Lenus (Barb) Duffie and John (Cathy) Duffie; his grandchildren, Ashley (Jim) Beck, Zachary Caywood, Brittany (Aaron) Mowen, Dallas Cramer and Taylor (Nick) Phelps; his great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Hadlee, Waylen, Oaklynn and Crew; his godson, Chase Heath; and numerous cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.
An avid sports fan, Duffie enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears and sharing his passion for baseball by teaching his siblings and coaching his children. He was also known for his skill on the pool table, passing that knowledge on to his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.
A lifelong history enthusiast, Duffie had a particular interest in the Civil War and World Wars, as well as local history and family genealogy. His curiosity and love of learning made him a natural storyteller and a trusted source of knowledge for those around him. He also enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and was well known for his wit and humor.
According to Duffie, life was "wonderful," a sentiment he held onto until the end. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held from 1–3 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Banks and Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at LaHarpe Cemetery.
Following the services, light refreshments will be provided at the Union Church Fellowship Hall in LaHarpe for family and friends who wish to gather.
For more information on Duffie's life and legacy, visit banksandbeals.com/obituary/mike-duffie.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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