Michael Cline

Michael Earl Cline, 79, of Champaign, died December 26, 2021 in his home. Mike was born on March 16, 1942 in Hinsdale, to Edward and Helen (James) Cline. He spent his childhood in Downers Grove, IL and attended Downers Grove North High School. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. In 1967, Mike was drafted into the U. S. Army and served in Vietnam. After returning home, he became employed as a sales representative for Illinois Fruit and Produce Company and moved his family to Champaign. Over the years, Mike worked for several other food distribution companies, including Clark Food Service and U. S. Foods. Mike excelled at his job and in 1980 he was honored as Distributor Salesperson of the Year. He was an avid golfer and a member of Lincolnshire Fields Country Club. In 1997 Mike won the Twin City Golf Senior Championship. He scored two hole in ones in his life, most recently in the summer of 2020. When his kids were young, he enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and had fun attending Illini Football and Basketball Games. Most of his friends fondly referred to him as “Bub” on and off the golf course.

Mike is survived by three sons, Michael T. Cline, James Cline, and William Cline, a daughter Elizabeth (Matthew) King; one grandson, Nathan King; and his former wife, Donna Cline.

He was preceded in death by his brother Edward Cline, Jr. and his sister Helen.

Memorial visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, January 7, 2022 at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Dr. West, Savoy (morganmemorialhome.com).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his name.