GALVA - Michael J. (Mike) “Rag” Tarleton, 71 of Galva passed away at 8:53 p.m,. Friday, May 5, 2023, at home with his family after a second brief battle with cancer, which in his words, “Well, that didn’t go as planned.”
He was born Dec. 19, 1951 in Kewanee, the son of William and Phyllis (Anderson) Tarleton. He grew up Bishop Hill and attended Bishop Hill and Galva schools, graduating from Galva High School in 1970.
He married Deb Appell in the Bishop Hill Park gazebo on July 7, 1977.
He was co-owner of Tarleton Service Inc. and worked his whole life as a mechanic and tow truck operator, retiring in 2021. He was president of Hook & Bullet Conservation Club, Victoria, for over 35 years. He was a Galva Wall of Fame inductee in several sports for teams and individually.
Survivors include his wife, Deb of Galva; son Shawn Tarleton, Galva; daughter Megan (Dale) Keilman of Shabbona, Ill.; a brother, Dennis (Joyce) Tarleton of Galva; twin granddaughters, Ally and Abby Keilman of Shabbona; and a nephew Chase (Nora) Tarleton of Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made to the family for an honorarium to be directed to Hook & Bullet, his happy place, during a private service at a later date.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Michael J. (Mike) "Rag" Tarleton, please visit our floral store.