Michael Bryan Colgan

Michael Bryan Colgan, age 63, of Bradford, Illinois, passed away on July 1, 2025, at 2:39 a.m. at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, following complications from heart issues.

Mike was the son of James Robert Colgan and Virginia Mae (Muir) Colgan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia, and his grandparents: Hobart and Mary Louise Muir, and Francis “Hank” and Lucille Colgan.

He is survived by his father, James Robert; his brother, Mitchell (Kathleen) Colgan; his sister, Kelly (Charles) Puent; and his beloved nieces and nephews: Zachary Colgan, Chelsea Colgan (Matthew Casey), Nicholas Puent, Nolan Puent, and Samantha Puent; as well as his great-niece, Aria Krans.

Born on June 28, 1962 in Peoria, Illinois, Mike was a proud graduate of Bradford High School, class of 1980. As a senior athlete, he was honored with the Ron Barks Award for football and track—known fondly by Mike as the “Bradford Heisman”. He went on to attend Eastern Illinois University, where he earned his degree in Economics.

After college, Mike spent four years working for Bendix Corporation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Upon returning to the U.S., he settled in Peoria, where he worked for Aramark and later spent several years in the banking industry. He eventually moved to Champaign, Illinois, where he worked for The News-Gazette for 19 years. Later, he returned to his hometown of Bradford and worked for Purtscher Oil Company for five years, until health challenges led to extended hospital stays throughout 2025.

Mike was a lifelong and passionate sports fan. He proudly cheered for the Michigan Wolverines, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Lions, Boston Celtics and St. Louis Blues. One of the greatest highlights of his life was witnessing the Cubs’ long-awaited World Series win in 2016—a moment he continued to celebrate for years to come. Mike also had a deep love for reading and music.

Family and friendship were the cornerstones of Mike’s life. Christmas was his favorite time of year, and his legendary appetizers were eagerly anticipated by the entire family—feeding everyone for days, while they played endless board games and shared lots of laughter. His love and generosity extended far beyond his own family. In Champaign, he became a beloved part of the Rossow family, serving as a close friend to Jim and Kerry and as a “third parent” known affectionately as “Big Mike” to their children—Sam, Gus, Kitty, Meg—and even the family dog, George.

Mike will be remembered for his warm heart, sharp wit, generous spirit, and unwavering loyalty—to his teams, his friends, and his family. He touched the lives of all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bradford, Illinois, with Father Patrick Henehan officiating. A Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral. Graveside services will follow at St. John’s Cemetery outside Bradford. A “Celebration of Life” will be held from approximately 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Bradford American Legion.

In lieu of flowers donations in Mike’s memory may be made to: Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation or SAMS: Stray Animal Midway Shelter.