Michael Wilimzig, 78, of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Born in 1947 in Sachsenhausen, West Germany, Michael lived a life full of passion, dedication, and love. He was the son of Wilhelm Wilimzig and Erika Butzke. He married Eileen Byrne, and she survives in Centralia.
After moving to the United States, Michael pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1975 and a Master’s degree from the University of Florida in 1977. His intellectual pursuits were matched by his proud commitment to serve his new country, joining the US Army in 1970, serving 3 years, and completing his service with an honorable discharge.
Michael dedicated 32 years to shaping young minds as a high school teacher before retiring in 2011. Michael began his teaching career at Mascoutah High School in 1979 before joining Central Community High School in Breese, IL, where he taught German and Spanish. Known for his ability to connect with students, nieces, nephews, and especially his grandchildren, he left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
More than an educator, Michael was a man of diverse interests. He had a deep appreciation for music, often playing his guitar, and was fascinated by Spanish and Mexican cultures. He was a lover of all things Apple, especially Apple computers. He was a video game aficionado since the dawn of Pong. He was also an avid reader of non-fictional political literature. But more than any other interest, Mike had an especially strong love for all animals, adopting many strays into his family over the years.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Wilimzig of Centralia, daughter, Martina Frisbie, and her husband, Brandon, of Woodstock, IL; his cherished grandchildren, William, Emilie, and Samuel Frisbie, all of Woodstock, IL; his devoted siblings, Maria Gordon (Kirby) of Owensboro, KY, Katharina Morse (Steven) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Hans (Uta) Wilimzig of Osnabruck, Germany. He is also fondly remembered by his nephews and nieces, Joe Gordon (Chandra) of Covington, LA, (whom he shared a brother-like relationship with), Debbie Arvay (Gerald) of West Columbia, SC, Michael Dowell of Martinez, GA, and Brian Morse (LaDelle) of Boerne, TX, Marion Pilipp of Germany, Anja Wilimzig and family of Germany, and Christian Wilimzig (Thea) of Germany, along with several great-nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilhelm and Erika Wilimzig, and his brother, Thomas Wilimzig.
Family, friends, and former colleagues are invited to celebrate Michael’s life at the funeral service, which will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. A Visitation will precede the service from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Centralia Humane Society. They will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Michael’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting http://www.
and the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Michael’s quick wit, warmth, and wisdom will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. His legacy lives on through his family, students, and countless others who had the privilege to know him.
