Freeport – Michael John Shore, age 69 of Freeport passed away unexpectedly at home on August 4, 2024.  He was born April 22, 1955 in Davenport, IA to Clifford and Shirley (Collier) Shore. He attended Savanna High School graduating in 1975, followed by attaining his Associates of Arts degree from Highland Community College in 1976 and then his Bachelors of Arts from Murray State University in 1982.  He and Mary Kate Veme were married at St Paul's Episcopal Church in Savanna, IL on June 23, 1979.

Michael was very involved in his community serving as the Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer program RSVP at Highland Community College for 30 years.  He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star – Dodgeville, WI Chapter, a Past Worthy Patron of Beloit Chapter OES, Beloit, WI, a member of the Beloit Masonic Lodge, a past Rainbow Dad of Wisconsin – International Order of Rainbow for Girls, a member of the Illinois Association of Retired and Senior Volunteer Directors, a member of the National Association of Retired and Senior Volunteer Directors, the Timber Lake Playhouse Board of Directors, a volunteer with the RSVP, a Clerk of the Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church, the Stephenson County Emergency Management Association, a committee member for both of the Lincoln Douglas debates reenactment and the Northwest Illinois Area Agency on Aging.  Michael was in the first class in 1995 of the Highland Community College Distinguished Alumni.  He sang with the Highland Community College Choir and went on two tours of Europe with the choir.  Being a part of the Civil War reenactment events was a big part of his life as well. His favorite past-time was sewing and cross stitching.

His survivors include, Daughter Katie (Chad) Enright of Freeport; Son Kris (Ashly) Shore of Rock City; granddaughters, Raelynn Yaeger, Merida Shore and Madalynn Enright; his father, Clifford Shore of Rock Island; Sisters Jayne (Steve) Boore of Davenport, IL; Karen Lawless of Andalusia, IL; Brothers, Brian (Kathy) Shore of Geneseo, IL; Steve (Leigh) Shore of North Bend, OR.; Aunts and Uncles Mary Moon of Yuma , AZ; David (Nadine) Collier of Notre Dame, IN.

There will be a visitation held at Walker Mortuary on Thursday, August 8 from 4-8pm.  A service will follow on Friday, August 9 at 11am at Grace Episcopal Church.  In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.  Condolences can be shared with the family at www.walkermortuary.com.