Michael (Mike) Thomas Macklin

Michael Thomas “Mike” Macklin, age 60, of Mason, Illinois, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 at his home in Mason, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Mason Christian Church in Mason, Illinois, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Mark White will be officiating. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Mason Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pagel Funeral Home, 100 N Olive, St. Elmo, Illinois, to assist the family with final expenses. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Michael was born on October 29, 1965 in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Danny J. Macklin and Mary Lou Althoff. He married his beloved wife, Tamela “Tammy” Williamson-Bierman on June 24, 2017 in Effingham, Illinois. He lived a life marked by energy, love, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that made each day meaningful.

Mike dedicated his career to serving others as a Radiologic Technologist for over 33 years. He graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale in 1993. He took pride in his work and in the relationships, he built along the way. He was known at work for playing “Who Sings It?,” bringing laughter and lighthearted competition to his coworkers and always the first to celebrate someone’s accomplishments.

Energetic and loving, Mike found happiness outdoors fishing, walking through the woods, working on outdoor and house projects with his son, Ryan, and gardening. He loved playing pinochle with family, losing at Trivia, and couldn’t pass up a competitive game of pickleball. His other hobbies included being a part- time fish fryer alongside his brother at Danny’s Bar & Grill. Whether he was saying, “I have the time,” or smiling and declaring he was “Living the Dream,” he approached life with a spirit that reminded others to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Tamela “Tammy” S. Macklin (Williamson-Bierman); his children, Ryan Macklin of Champaign, Meghan Klingenberg of Altamont, Kate Klingenberg of Altamont, Lucas Bierman of California, Stefanie Bierman of Dieterich, Melinda Kimmer (Bierman) of Durand, MI, and Sarah Niebrugge (Bierman) and her husband John of Altamont. He was a proud grandfather to Kaden, Hunter, Noah, Atlas, Adele, Claudia, Meridian and Daphne, each of whom brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his mother Mary Lou Klein (Althoff) and her husband John; siblings, Bill Macklin of Effingham, Cheryl Beam (Charles) of Effingham, Steve Klein (Mary) of Farina, and Jim Klein (Julie) of Dieterich.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Danny J. Macklin.

More than anything, Mike will be remembered for his warmth, his humor, and the way he made the people around him feel seen and valued. His legacy lives on in the family he loved deeply and in the countless memories shared around card tables, wooded trails, side by side rides, and family gatherings.