Michael R. Hart

Michael Ray “Mike” Hart, 68, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 11:48 a.m. Friday May 30, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL with Rev. Mark Sanders officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - noon on Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be made to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight or Shelbyville Area Community Foundation, Memo: Memorial Sunken Garden.

Mike was born on October 21, 1956, in Shelbyville, IL, the son of James Charles and Monte Marie (Furr) Hart. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1975. Mike worked his entire career in the farming industry for both local farmers and also entities such as PC Limited, Van Horn, and Nutrien Ag Solutions, where he retired in 2021. Farming the family land with his close friends, the Roneys, and proudly displaying “Hart Farms” on the property, brought him such fulfillment.

His two children and four grandchildren were his greatest blessings and deepest source of pride. He was a constant encourager for each milestone, whether they were accepting a diploma at graduation, stepping onto the field, or taking the stage at a dance recital. No achievement was too small, no moment too ordinary, he celebrated them all, with a proud smile and a heart full of love.

In his retirement, Mike found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He cherished quiet moments by the fire, admired the peaceful view of the family farm from his favorite spot on the porch swing, and took great pride in perfecting every pass of the mower as his lawn was always a striped masterpiece. A lifelong and loyal San Francisco 49ers fan, Mike brought the same dedication to his hobbies as he did to his team.

He loved connecting with people, whether catching up with old friends, striking up new conversations at Morgan’s, DeBuhr’s, Eloe’s Landscaping, or swapping grilling tips and lawn photos with family. He was fond of ordering specialty coffee drinks, leaving generous tips, and winning rounds of “Name That Tune.” His daily text messages and random gifts were a fixture in the lives of those he loved, small gestures that left a lasting impact. Mike’s warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mike and Jeanne Hart, although no longer married, remained best friends who talked daily. Their relationship was a rare and beautiful example of grace, kindness, and shared devotion to their children. They are a testament of respect, commitment, and a redefining what “family” can mean.

His passing, though sudden, is met with the quiet hope that it is part of a greater plan only God understands. The loss is profound, a space left behind that can never truly be filled. His family and friends will forever miss his unmistakable, booming laugh, a sound full of life, joy, and it will echo in their hearts always. For now, those who loved him must find peace in saying the words he made his own: “Go ahead.” Until we meet again.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Christina Louise Schwenke and husband Mike of Mattoon, IL; son, Ryan Michael Hart and wife Kayla of Mattoon, IL; twin sister, Marla Shoaff of Shelbyville, IL; brother-in-law, Floyd Hilligoss of Windsor, IL; four grandchildren, Kaylee Louise and Paige Marie Schwenke, and Quinn Michael and Adrienne LeeAnn Hart; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara “Bobbie” Hilligoss; brother-in-law, Don Shoaff; and nephew, Tyler Hilligoss.