Michael Thomas Nesbitt

Michael Thomas Nesbitt. age 80 and a life-long resident of Savanna, Illinois; passed away on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 at the Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling, Illinois.

He was born July 10, 1944 in Clinton, Iowa, the beloved son of Spencer and Mary (Pulley) Nesbitt. Growing up in Savanna, Illinois, Michael graduated from Savanna High School in 1962. He went right to work for the Milwaukee Railroad, and in 1966 served in the US Army in Vietnam, working with communications. Upon returning to Savanna he picked up where he left off, working as a switchman, conductor and eventually a Yard Master for the Milwaukee Railroad, the Soo Line, and lastly, the Canadian Pacific Railroad. He worked in the Savanna, Nahant and West Davenport yards.

Michael cherished his time with his wife Carol (Engaldo), whom he married on September 30th 1977 after dating for four years. Mike was a caring and devoted husband, always looking for ways to be helpful and they enjoyed being a team together. They celebrated forty-seven years of marriage.

Even though spending time with grandkids was the top priority for Mike, ice fishing came in a strong second. He would fish from first ice, to last ice, even if “last ice” sometimes meant falling through. Mike had a passion for the Mississippi River. He loved the cold winters on the river and even purchased an air-boat to help in the adventure. He was an avid duck hunter and fisherman all of his life. He was a proud veteran and lifetime member of the VFW.

His most important love was for his family. The family went on many fishing vacations to Wisconsin and Minnesota. They enjoyed lots of fun times and fish frys. When the girls were young, weekends were often spent on the river. He was excited to be a grandpa and great grandpa, teaching about his love of the outdoors.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Carol of Savanna; four daughters, Valarie (Brian) Shafer of Avondale, Arizona, Jennifer (Jay Sheffield) Green of Dixon, Illinois, Erica (Shawn) Rathje of Phoenix, Arizona and Kateri (Travis) Mowery of Rock Falls, Illinois. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Danielle (Travis) Wallace, Kole, Keegan and Lakin Rathje, and Linkoln, Aerilyne, Annslie and Avionna Mowery; two great grandchildren, Violet and Ronan Wallace; a brother, Jay (Audrey) Nesbitt of Sterling, IL; siblings-in-law, Gary (Gayle) Engaldo, Joan (Dana) Patten, Paul (Jenn) Engaldo and Patrick Engaldo; a nephew, Mark (Anna) Nesbitt and niece, Sarah (Derrick) Peltier, along with several other nieces and nephews by marriage. Mike is preceded in death by both of his parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 1pm, Saturday, February 22, 2025 with a visitation from 11 – 1pm prior to the service at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Immediately after the service military rights will be held at Marquette Park by the Savanna American Legion and VFW. Memorials may be given for the Rock River Hospice & Home, or the Savanna VFW/American Legion.