Michael Linn Raley

GALVA - Michael Linn "Cheezy" Raley, 74, of Galva, died at 2:40 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

Cremation will be accorded and no services are planned at this time. Private inurnment will take place at a later date at Galva Cemetery. Rux Funeral Home in Galva is assisting the family with arrangements.

He was born on August 27, 1951 in Kewanee, the son of Francis A. and Charlotte (Berg) Raley. He is survived by a brother, Francis "Gene" Raley of Kewanee, three nieces, Kellirae Raley Coudrey Tulli of Georgia, Amber Swineheart of Shelbyville, TN and Kimberly Perkins of Kewanee, one nephew, Jason Swineheart of Tennessee, great nephews, Austin Brett Celus Raley, Levi Perkins, Elijah Thomas, Dayson Michael, Braxton Gene, Hayden Lee, Samuel Houston and Jonah Warren Swineheart, Mason and Dillon Raley and Scott, Noel and Steven Raley and great nieces and nephews; Chloe Elizabeth Swineheart, Jessa Honesty, Jackson and Kaci Raley. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jan Raley and a sister, Susan Swinehart.

Michael attended Galva Schools. He was a route salesman selling cheese and sausage products for 48 years.  He affectionately was known as the “Cheese Man.” He was an avid fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears and Cubs. He also enjoyed following the Kansas City Royals and Fighting Illini and he enjoyed fishing.

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