Michael Colbrese

Michael Edward Colbrese, 78, of Viola, Illinois, passed away Monday, December 11, 2023.

Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00pm, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island.  Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00pm, Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home with a Rosary at 3:00pm and Time of Sharing at 6:00pm.  Burial will be in the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal. 

He was born April 20th, 1945 in Davenport, Iowa to Anton and Marie Yackley Colbrese. Graduated from Assumption High School(1963), served in the Army in Vietnam (1967-68). He worked at 6^th Street Community Center, where he met Kathryn Egan; he married her on April 3rd, 1971. He joined IBEW in 1972, working with Miller Electric, beginning a life long career as an electrician. He loved farming and used the gifts from the earth, along with hard work to build his family log home. He lived by his motto “we are put on this earth to serve others”, leaving

lasting life impressions with so many people that crossed his path. He always helped others in need through his actions, for dear friends or complete strangers. Faith and family was everything to Mike. He is survived by: 7 sisters, his wife Kathy, 18 children; Egan (Heidi Schissel), Anne-Maria (Philip) Zugarramurdi, Paul (Jenny Ortiz), Michael, Erin (Jeff Valentine), Colleen, David, Michaela (Foti) Padazopoulos, Daniel (Alyssa Patterson), John (Tiffany Belton), Adam (Janet Hammond), Kristin, Joseph, Emily (Derrick) Andrae, Patrick (Alenna Kellenberger), Aidan, Brian, Thomas; 37 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, several nephews and nieces; and he is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Terry, and sister, Vickie.

The family appreciates all of the support during this difficult time. Instead of flowers, they would love for you to do an act of kindness for someone who needs it.