Michael (Mike) C. Watts, age 66 of Freeport, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on March 23, 2021. Mike was born in Beloit Wisconsin on December 20, 1954, to parents Walter and Doris Thiel. His mother would later marry Kenneth Paul Watts and Mike started school with his last name. Mike attended school in Pearl City and Freeport Illinois. He married Sandra Nolen on August 31, 2002 at Lost Valley Ranch in German Valley Illinois. Mike worked many years as a restaurant owner and cook. He also worked about 10 years at Northwestern Steel and Wire Mill in Sterling, and 5 years at Werhane Trucking.

Mike loved the elderly and the children with all his pea picken heart. He looked for the best in everyone and everything. He was a god fearing man. A verse from the bible that come to mind is 1 peter 2:17 honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God Honoe the King. One of Mike's favorite sayings was "God Don't Make No Junk". In his younger days, Mike enjoyed hanging with friends and riding motorcycles. Over all, Mike made sure to tell people when meeting them the importance of the father, the son, and holy spirit. He knew prayer changed things. As we all fall short, Mike tried daily to honor God in all he did.

Mike is survived by his wife Sandra Watts, daughter Krissy (Nitsch) (Phil) Collins, step-daughter Tiffany (Nitsch) (Adrain) Fernandez, step-sons Anthony Nolan, Greg Mummert, and Ryan Letsinger, grandchildren Zachary and Carsen Collins, Torrie Wadsworth, Ethan and Brayden Mummert, and Avery Nolen, sisters Susan (Watts) Feuerborn, Kathy (James J. Sr.) Ellis, brothers Larry, Fred, and Darryl Thiel, nephews Larry Jr, Chris Thiel, Jeremie (Sarah) and Josh Pillow, nieces Staci Feuerborn, Audra (Thiel) Baker, Megan and Jenny Thiel, great-niece Hannah Barrett, great-nephews Hayden Barrett and Haize Feuerborn, chosen family the Kubly's Thomas (Tommy) Bobbi Jo and their children Nachoma, Kaelynn, Jordan, Jono, Johnny, Breanna, Jacob and Jase.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, step-father Thomas Williams, step-son Brad (Nitsch), brother-in-law Ray (Susan) Feuerborn, and a close cousin Larry Huenefeld.

A memorial service will be held on Friday April 9, 2021 at 4 PM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport, IL.

A Michael Watts Memorial Fund has been established. Details on where to send donations will be posted soon.