Michael David Shotwell

Michael David Shotwell

March 3, 1958 – March 17, 2025

Michael David Shotwell, born March 3, 1958, passed away peacefully at his home on March 17, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer and years of declining health.

Michael was a master mechanic with a lifelong passion for cars. He dedicated his career to Ford Motor Company, working in both Monroe, Michigan, and Kansas City, Missouri, before retiring from the Monroe plant. His garages were his sanctuaries, filled with the sounds of his favorite music – a constant companion and expression of his spirit.

Music was a deep and abiding love for Michael. From classic country to rock and roll, he attended countless concerts, reveling in the live performances of artists like Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Bob Seger, and Vince Gill. His favorite song, "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" by The Hollies, captured his essence. He shared his love of music with his children, especially his eldest daughter, whom he delighted in testing on song trivia, a source of shared pride.

Michael possessed a unique blend of "man's man" and gentleman, always the first to offer a helping hand to family and friends. A perfectionist with an artistic eye, he excelled at painting cars, both full-sized and models. He cherished moments spent fishing with his daughter Megan, and his remarkable mechanical skills were evident in his ability to build a car from the ground up. Above all, Michael's greatest love was his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and soulmate, Sherry (Poupard) Shotwell, with whom he shared a deep and enduring love. Also preceding him were his parents, Ralph and Dorothy (Pierpont) Shotwell; his brothers, Benjamin "Butch" Shotwell and Patrick Daniel Shotwell; Ralph Shotwell Jr.; Raymond Shotwell; Russ Shotwell; his sister, Suzanne "Sue" Rebandt Shotwell; and other cherished family members.

Michael is survived by his wife and friend of over 40 years, Julie Shotwell; his devoted daughter, Nicole Shotwell; his loving daughter, Megan Shotwell (Tara McGavin); and his cherished son, David Shotwell (Heather Shotwell), of whom he was immensely proud. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Madelyn, Maddex, Giovanni, Evelyn, Sophie, Aaron, Caesar, and Cassius "Cass." He is also survived by his loving brother, Steve Shotwell (Debbie); Bob Shotwell; and sister Sharon Shotwell-Raupp and many other relatives and friends.

Family and friends may visit on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home from 10 am until 12pm. A funeral service will begin at 12 with Chaplain Mark McCaskill officiating. Michael will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memeorial Park in LaSalle.

Online condolences or words of comfort may be made to the family at www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.