Michael James Mangiapane

Mike was born in Southgate, MI, on December 22, 1974 to James and Marlene (Bell) Mangiapane. His hunting passion blossomed with the guidance of his father and neighbors. His love of learning grew under his mother and grandparents. He was a shy and smart child who excelled at school. Mike’s only memory of missing school was for hunting and skipping prom in favor of rebuilding his 1966 Chevy II Nova. He graduated high school as salutatorian, not wanting to give the valedictorian speech.

Mike graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1998 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. College was one of the best times of his life - ask Mike Devore and Tyler Stuettgen for stories. Despite his Ford internship and employment offer, he chose Caterpillar in Illinois (with better hunting prospects as a bonus).

At Caterpillar he progressed through various engineering and manufacturing roles during his 26 year career. Many of Mike’s favorite people have a Caterpillar connection, often tied to his early positions at the Mapleton Foundry. He went through plant operations orientation with his hunting buddy Ben Bankert (deceased) and met another hunting buddy Dan Athey. Mike also met his wife Rachel at the Foundry. In another Caterpillar role he met his hunting buddy Dan Webster. Together Dan and Mike achieved their dream of elk hunting and were racking up points to get another permit.

At work, Mike was known for his respectful demeanor, listening skills and work ethic. Some knew him as “Silent Thunder” because he did not speak up often, but when he did, you needed to hear what he had to say. He was a member of the Caterpillar United Way Builders Circle Program, often designating to youth programs in Fulton County. Mike obtained his Masters of Business Administration from Bradley University in 2009.

Perhaps Mike’s most unique skill was observation. He was an instant judge of character, excelling at recruiting and developing teams. His attention to detail was leveraged in woodworking and regular trips to the Menards clearance section.

Mike and Rachel married in 2012 after 7 years of dating. In their almost 20 years together, they spent much time working at the farm. It was an opposites attract love - a quiet engineer marrying a social communications professional. They brought out the best in each other, especially as pet parents and the treasured roles of Uncle Mikey and Aunt RaRa.

Mike found a new passion in recent years, working out at CrossFit North Peoria at 5 a.m. He loved the community and challenge provided by coaches and fellow members. Rachel is incredibly grateful to the teammates who responded to his highway emergency and the emergency contact list deployed by CrossFit leaders.

Mike’s latest endeavor was revitalizing his dream hunting property with his dad. Jim moved to the area from MI to help Mike with this dream. They spent weekends building hunting blinds and caring for food plots. He loved nothing more than walking his property for signs of wildlife such as a shed deer antler.

Mike was looking forward to an early retirement with Rachel as copilot in an RV traveling across the U.S. National Parks. He would have been whistling Led Zeppelin songs the whole way.

Family takes comfort knowing Mike is with his mother and grandparents, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Rachel (Sokn) Mangiapane and father, James Mangiapane of Mapleton, IL; father and mother-in law, Erick and Dorrie Sokn of Washington, IL; brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Lauren Sokn, and niece and nephew, Lydia and Liam Sokn of Washington, IL; uncles, Ronald Mangiapane of Port Hope, MI, Charles Bell of Healdsburg, CA, and Alan (Diane) Bell of Gainesville, GA.

Always willing to help a stranger, Mike’s final gift as a registered organ donor will help many.

Mike's celebration of life visitation will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Camouflage, Carhartt, Caterpillar, CrossFit or any other casual wear is welcome in honor of Mike. Cremation has been entrusted to the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made to Camp Big Sky, a local charity providing children and adults with disabilities with access to enjoy the great outdoors.