Michael Lee Dorn

Michael Lee Dorn, 75, of Robinson, IL, passed away on May 9, 2022, at Robinson Rehab and Nursing. He was born September 14, 1946, in Olney, IL, the son of Lorrain "Archie" & Imogene (Helregel) Dorn, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Gabrielle Dorn.

He married Frances Culp on May 13, 1967, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Eric Dorn (Robinson, IL); his daughter & son-in-law, Treena & Mark Stephens (Robinson, IL); his grandchildren, Brooke & Jed Kamplain, Braden Stephens, Kaitlyn Stephens, and Collin Johnson; his great-grandchildren, RaeLee Kamplain, Jericho Kamplain, NovaLynn Kamplain, and Thea Kamplain; his sisters & brothers-in-law, Melanie & Bill French (Merom, IN) and Mary Melinda & Randy Wilson (Newton, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mike grew up in the Newton area, where he attended St. Thomas Catholic School as a young boy. His family would soon move to Porterville, and eventually, Robinson, where he graduated high school in 1964. Mike would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy until an injury led to an early discharge in 1967. Back home, he found work with Dana Incorporated, where he was a quality auditor for 44 years. Though he never considered it to be a "career", he also cut hair for many in the area, including several nursing home residents.

Anyone who knew Mike could attest to his love of the outdoors. Simply put, if it were his choice, he'd be outside from sun-up to sun-down and was even known to sleep out on his enclosed porch from time to time! He took in fresh air while biking all over town, often alongside his best buddy, his dog, Lucy. He held a lifelong passion for fishing and hunting and also enjoyed camping with his family. Over the years, they made several memories while canoeing at destinations like Turkey Run, the Blue River, and the Meramec Caverns. Back home, he kept bees and tended to his vegetable garden, which brought him a sense of well-earned satisfaction.

That being said, few things brought him more pride and fulfillment than his involvement with area Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Who would have known when he formed Cub Scout Pack #350 that it would be but the start of a 40-year commitment to innumerable area youth? As a Cubmaster and Scout leader, Mike helped mold many boys (including his own son and grandson) into the good men they would eventually become. In recognition of his distinguished service and exceptional character, Mike was presented the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He also partnered with his wife, Fran, by joining the board for the local Campfire Girls. He was also a member of the Robinson Jaycees, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Eastern Illinois Sportsmen's Club. A devout Catholic, he was a devoted member of the Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

It was evident throughout his 75 years that Mike's heart beat for others. If there was a blood drive, he'd always make a point to donate. If he saw someone in need of assistance, he'd lend a helping hand however he could. He was a very kind and caring person, yes, but he was also quite the prankster, to the point that he wasn't safe to be around on April Fools' Day!

Mike Dorn's life was marked by a driving passion, a radiating joy, and a love that lives on in the hearts of his family and many, many friends.

A time of visitation will be held at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on their 55th wedding anniversary, Friday, May 13th. Cremation will follow, and a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17th, at the Olive Branch Cemetery, rural Annapolis, IL, with Reverend Fr. Suresh Sambaturu officiating. Here, military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Navy, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions may be made to "Catholic Charities USA" or to "Boy Scouts Troop #901", with envelopes available at the funeral home.