Mike was the founder of the Quad City Labor Day Parade in 1983. This parade is held in downtown East Moline IL each year on the first Monday in September (Labor Day) and run by volunteers. Mike became an active member of the United States Marine Corp in 1972 and stayed in for 8 years. Seven months later, he joined the Marine Corp Reserves. He then became employed by McLaughlin Body in 1973, became a union member in good standing with UAW 1414 as an assembler, spot welder and forklift driver. In January of 1974, Mike left McLaughlin’s to work for John Deere Harvester Works and joined their UAW 865 union as a spot welder initially, then full-time as Welder. He became their Union Steward about a year and a half into his position and held that position for 6 years. He was elected to the Executive Board of UAW 865 during that time as well. While employed, he was instrumental in starting the first annual, official, East Moline Labor Day Parade and was Chairman of the parade committee for 4 years. In 1985 he was laid off & put on a leave of absence for 6 and half years – but still worked the parade each year. During those 6 and half years, he had the pleasure of working alongside Lane Evans as his scheduler & driver for the State functions, as well as he joined and became Commander of the AMVETS #145 for 21 years. In 1990 he joined the Marine Corp League and in ’93 became their Department Officer, and over the past 30 years held various other positions as well. Also in 1993, Mike went back to work for John Deere Harvester Works and after giving 10 and a half more years, finally retiring in 2004, yet stayed on as Union member in good standing with UAW 865’s retiree group and is still a member in good standing with his union.  Since 2010, Mike had been involved with the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) serving the first 4 years as their Vice President and then in 2015, became their President and served as President until his passing in 2024. He also served on the State Board for ARA for 6 years. He served as the Finance Officer for the American Legion Post 582 out of Erie IL in 2022 & 2023. Over the years he’s served as the Precinct Committeeman for South Moline 19 and the President of Bridging The Gap for Homeless Vets helping to coordinate and host the STAND DOWN event held each year to provide homeless Vets with clothing, supplies, agency services, showers, haircuts. He also enjoyed his membership with the Fun & Honor Society within the Marine Corp where they raise money for children’s hospitals, Nationally, and the local pound #117, out of LaSalle raises money for Veterans in need. Mike was married for 49 wonder years to his wife, Sheila. They raised 5 children who blessed them with 8 beautiful grandchildren. Some of his hobbies included deer hunting, woodworking, and motorcycling.

The Parade volunteers are proud to have served with Mike during his years helping to provide this one-day event for family & the community.