Michael Lee Estel

     Michael Lee Estel, a devoted family man, passionate sportsman, and dedicated community servant, passed away on February 7, 2026, in Carbondale, Illinois. He was 81 years old. Mike was born on October 16, 1944, in National City, California, to Clarence and Kathlyn (Rosenberger) Estel during World War II. A lifelong resident of southern Illinois, he grew up as the second son of five Estel boys, along with their older sister, Joy. Mike held deep appreciation for hard work, faith, and service—values that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from Murphysboro High School, afterward joining the United States Navy during the Vietnam War era and serving 4 years. This period of his life would forever stay with him, his service to country, the family and friends lost to the war, and the funeral of his father that he was forced to miss.

     Mike returned from the Navy to Murphysboro to live with his mother who was still adjusting to the loss of her husband. His brothers would forever call him "Sheik" in memory of their father and tease him about being the "favorite." He was never known to be a handy-man, but more than made up for those short-comings by his smile, hugs and interest in all people. He went on to earn a degree from Southern Illinois University in History, another life-long passion. While a student, he worked at the SIU Health Services as an ambulance driver and later wrote a book from the perspective of a veteran experiencing first-hand the SIU riots and protests against the Vietnam war. It was also during this time he met Becky Lipe and her 3 young children, Bridgett, Jeff and David. He was always known to have Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum for kids, and he filled their lives with outdoor sports and adventures such as camping, hiking, caving, and hunting for arrowheads, medicinal roots, and antique bottles. They married in 1970 and then moving to Anna becoming a fixture of the community. Mike and Becky would have a total of 5 children, adding to their family Gretchen and later Charles, and whether they were biological or adopted he loved them equally and wholly.

     Mike’s professional life was marked by an enduring love for storytelling and sports. He began his career as a printer, then soon became a sportswriter for The Southern Illinoisan. His insightful coverage and engaging writing earned him the respect of readers across the region. He continued his journalism career at the Gazette-Democrat in Anna, where he covered sports and the outdoors for over 34 years. His words brought local games to life and celebrated the athletes who played them. He was well known by all the coaches throughout southern Illinois.

     In addition to his work in journalism, Mike served as a technician at Choate Developmental Center for many years until his retirement. Despite it being a tough job, he again showed his love of all people by thriving in working with the developmentally delayed. Even after he was no longer employed there, he would return on holidays with small gifts and treats and many called him “Daddy Mike.” He also shared his knowledge of history as an instructor at Shawnee Community College for over 20 years.

     A man who truly always stayed busy, Mike found joy in leading and participating in the intramural sports of his community —refereeing basketball games and umpiring softball and baseball. Mike’s passion for youth sports left a lasting legacy. Noticing in 1972 that there were no intramural sports in Union County for girls, he started a girls softball travel team that quickly grew to two teams —for junior high and high school ages— and he coached both for many years. The fact that over 40 years later those “girls” still host annual reunions attests to how impactful Mike was to their lives. Mike also started a youth football league in Anna when there was none; which grew and grew, eventually being a major factor in strengthening wins of the Anna-Jonesboro High School football team. Through these efforts, he created opportunities for countless young athletes to grow both on and off the field. There was no doubt he liked to win, but he was also kind and supportive in working with student athletes.

    As a young man, Mike often wrote in spiral notebooks saying he was “working on his book” and in his later years his lifelong love of writing evolved into writing over 17 novellas of historical fiction. He was always excited to talk about his next book idea!

     A lifelong member of the Missouri-Synod Lutheran Church, Mike was deeply rooted in his faith. For over 30 years, he served as an elder at Trinity Lutheran Church in Anna, where he helped guide others with wisdom and compassion.

     He is lovingly remembered by his wife Becky; daughters Bridgett and Gretchen; sons David, Jeff, and Charles; sons-in-law Gary and Andy; daughters-in-law April and Monica; brothers Terry, Steve, and Jimmy; and many grandchildren: Will, Jacob, Cara, Natalie, Noah, Isaiah, Lauren, Grace, Jessilyn, and Drew, and four great grandchildren KK, Poppy, Wyatt, and Sadie. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Kathlyn and Clarence Estel; sister Joy; and brothers Jack Howard and Paul.

     Above all else, Mike cherished time spent with family. He loved fishing, hunting, eating and joking around with his brothers and sister, and later their children and grandchildren. He took immense pride in watching all of his and Becky’s children and grandchildren grow. The love he had for Becky beamed for 55 years of marriage. He complimented her every morning on her appearance, thanked her with a kiss every night after dinner, and never went to bed without a goodnight kiss.

     Mike Estel leaves behind a legacy of service—to family, faith, country, community—and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Visitation will be Friday, February 13, 2026 from 9-11 with Funeral services at 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Anna with a meal following in the fellowship hall; interment will be next at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Murphysboro, IL for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Trinity Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the church or the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.