Michael Bland

Our beloved, Michael D. “Mike” Bland, 76, of Pana, IL passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO after a long battle with rheumatoid arthritis. He was born October 10, 1949, in Pana, IL to the late Clarence and Ida Mae (Sims) Bland. Mike married Kathleen Maton on June 17, 1967, and they had four amazing children. Later, Mike married Debra Lawrence on September 28, 1991, and he gained three additional wonderful sons. Debra predeceased him on May 30, 2018. On September 24, 2020, Mike married Marsha Knoles Bland in Springfield, Illinois, and she survives.

Mike was a 1967 graduate of Pana High School. He attended Kaskaskia College, Lake Land Community College, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Mike worked until retirement in the concrete business and was a master at his craft. He was a member of the American Legion, AMVETS, the NRA, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

In high school, Mike’s favorite class was band. He played the baritone, even soloing on his favorite song, “Allegheny Moon”. An outstanding athlete, Mike lettered eleven times in four sports in high school and was offered numerous athletic full-ride scholarships to several colleges. He was inducted into the inaugural Pana Sports Foundation Hall of Fame in 2022. Mike’s sports career was interrupted by a near-death experience while working in his father’s construction business. This occurrence caused him to reembrace his faith and walk with God. Subsequently, Mike terminated his scholarship and was immediately drafted into the military in 1969. While on leave prior to his deployment to Vietnam he was diagnosed with the life-altering illness that resulted in his honorable discharge.

Mike’s deep faith and commitment to God had him actively involved in his church the rest of his life from serving as a Bible teacher, choir and orchestra member, board member, church secretary, and project manager for a new building program. His love of southern gospel music, even at a young age, led him to sing in several gospel quartets, including the Bland Brothers. At the time of his passing, he was an active member at Christ Tabernacle, Herrick, IL.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike loved hunting, fishing and camping. Even the home he built as a young man reflected his love of the outdoors housing 24 deer mounts, a black bear, raccoon, squirrel, and several species of fish. The time he spent in nature made him feel close to God.

During his life, Mike owned a variety of horses and loved riding with his family. He also enjoyed gardening and the resulting harvest. Mike loved to travel throughout the country, especially the western states. With his newly retired wife, Marsha, he made many epic trips visiting 38 states and 28 National Parks.

Mike loved his family fiercely. He was always at the center of any gathering captivating everyone around him with his humor and masterful storytelling. Mike was a wonderful husband, father, relative and friend. He will be remembered for his love, honesty, integrity, inner strength, generosity, work ethic, and cheerful fun-loving nature. Despite his limitations, he lived life to the fullest carrying a joyful song in his heart every day.

Along with his wife, Marsha, Mike is also survived by his children: Michael (Johnna) Bland, Golden, CO; Brian (Jenny) Bland, Las Vegas, NV; Daniel (Kristol) Bland, Pana, IL; Valerie Bland-Page, (Marcel), Chicago, IL; Craig (Megan) Karnes, Decatur, IL; Trent (Jeni) Karnes, Pana, IL; Jordan (Ashley) Karnes, Oconee, IL; grandchildren: Spencer, Ireland, Tyler (Al), Sydney (Mark), Raegan, Mario (Marianna), Madison, Arianne, Jade, Kody (Chloe), Cassidy, Cayden, Kaitlin (Nolan), Chloe, Kandis, Memphis, Brooklyn, Tenley, Kennedy, and Grange; great-grandchildren: Vann, Lennox, Brynn, Marinn, Judah, Stella, Nora, Crue, and Mateo; and siblings: Karen (Fred) Suey, Richard (Darla) Bland, Rod (Karla) Bland; Kenneth “Moose” (Lisa) Bland, Kathy Sue (Mike) Morrison, and Margaret Cloe. He was also preceded by his parents, and his brothers, James and Raymond Bland.

Funeral services for Mike will be held on August 6, 2026, at Christ Tabernacle, Herrick, IL at 10:00 a.m. with Pastors Thomas Suey and Jereme Suey co-officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Linwood Cemetery, Pana with military honors by the Pana Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be on August 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials in Mike’s honor may be made to M.A.P.S. (Mid-America Preparatory School) or Christ Tabernacle, P.O. Box 300, Herrick, IL 62431, and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.