Michael Logan

Michael S. Logan was born April 9, 1948, in Kansas City, Mo. to Claude S. and Mary G. Logan. He was the oldest son and grew up in Mankato, Minnesota until his early teens. The family moved to Champaign, Ill where Mike graduated High School and received a full academic scholarship to Illinois State University, where he also played football. He graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s in science degree. Mike’s father passed unexpectedly while he was in college and his mother a few years later. Mike lived in the Bloomington area for many years struggling with alcoholism and finally hit rock bottom and embraced sobriety, as his life depended on it.

In sobriety Mike returned to Illinois State University and graduated with a Master’s in Counseling Education in 1996. He was very active in the Mankind Project. In 1996, Mike moved to Rockford, Illinois and started building a practice to address Domestic Violence, and Logan Counseling was born. In 1997, when Mike was 49 years old, he met and later married Julie Dirksen. Julie became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and together they created Logan Health and Healing Center in 2010, a practice that focused on family, interpersonal work, and healing in the community.

Julie and Mike’s marriage produced two very special children, Shane Donald Logan, and Hannah Marie Logan. Shane completed his military career as a Sergeant in the US Marines on 02/10/2022 at Miramar San Diego, CA. Shane achieved his journeyman as an electronics technician at RTCASS Operation at MCAS Miramar. Shane will be looking for a position in the area that utilizes his electronic skills.

Hannah is a senior at Winnebago High School where she completed her seventh year of volleyball. She made state for the ILMEA music festival for the second time this year playing her alto saxophone. She also enjoys playing in the High school Jazz band. She recently started her last year of track and field where she qualified for State in Shotput and Discus. Her plans are to go to Rock Valley college and give herself time to figure it out.

Mike retired from Domestic Violence Counseling /Anger Management in 2013 following a divorce and continued to work on social media and coparenting. He was very active in Shane and Hannah’s schooling, music, sports, and became a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in the Winnebago School District. He especially enjoyed working with students with autism. He also volunteered at the Winnebago Library.

Mike was predeceased by his sister Nancy Goodnow and Robert “Stanley” Logan. survived by son, Shane Logan 23, daughter, Hannah Logan 17, and co-parents Julie Logan and Glenn Ritchey, all from Winnebago, IL.

Mike really focused on staying alive and being active so he could be present for his kids. He could be found at the local gym or riding his bike several times a day. He was so full of life, willing to give a smile, wave, or a corny joke. Michael died from complications following a valve replacement in late January and was doing fantastically.

Mike’s legacy lives on in his children, the people he touched in a meaningful way, and in the continuation of Logan Health and Healing Center and the healing done there.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 18, 2022 at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street, Oregon, IL 61061. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers a memorial to Winnebago High School to be determined