Michael “Mike” John Halbach, age 85, of Urbana, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital, with his loving wife of 60 years, Linda, by his side.

Mike was born on August 17, 1941, in Washington, D.C., to William and Margaret Ann (Young) Halbach. Although he spent only his earliest months in Washington, D.C., his parents sent him west to live with his grandmother in Iowa during World War II. His mother followed a few months later, and his father joined them several years later after completing his military service.

Mike grew up with his family in Mondamin, Iowa, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, and playing baseball. He graduated from Mondamin High School and soon afterward joined the United States Army. Mike specialized in cryptography and was stationed in both Germany and Turkey. He often recalled the Cuban Missile Crisis as one of the most challenging periods of his military service, when his teams worked to decipher Soviet codes during a time of tremendous global uncertainty.

In 1964, while visiting relatives, Mike gathered the courage to strike up a conversation with a beautiful young woman sunbathing in the neighboring yard. Her name was Linda Hill. That chance conversation changed the course of his life  Mike and Linda were married in 1965 and began their life together in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa before the couple eventually made their permanent home in Urbana, Illinois. He continued his education at the University of Illinois, receiving a master’s degree and continued his Ph.D. studies in Earth Science.

Mike had a natural talent for understanding commodities and financial markets. When changes in grant funding coincided with the impending birth of the couple’s first child, he chose a different path and left his Ph.D. program. His interest in commodities developed into a successful career as a commodities broker and financial advisor with several local brokerage firms in Champaign and Decatur. He retired in 2006.

Retirement gave Mike more time to pursue the many interests he enjoyed outside of his professional life. He especially loved listening to music, playing cards, and his annual fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. He was proud of his membership in the

Exchange Club of Urbana and its mission to raise awareness of and help prevent child abuse. Mike was also a devoted supporter of Illinois athletics, particularly Fighting Illini basketball and women’s volleyball. For nearly 40 years, he was a familiar face in the stands, enthusiastically supporting the teams he loved.

Above all, Mike cherished his family and friendships. He was a devoted husband to Linda and a loving father to Michelle Shaw (Tony) and Mark Halbach. He took particular pride and joy in his grandchildren, Jordyn Shaw, Jacob Shaw (Annika), and Alex Halbach.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Michelle and Mark; his grandchildren, Jordyn, Jacob, and Alex; and his siblings, Patrick Halbach (Jackie) of Bedford, Texas; Bill Halbach (Jane) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and Allen Halbach of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Nancy Fontana (Peter).

He also leaves behind many cherished memories with his extended family and dear friends, including Gary and Diane Stendsland.

Mike often told the story of the day he mustered the courage to hop the fence and introduce himself to Linda. He would say that taking that chance was the best decision he ever made. After 60 years of marriage, a family he adored, and a lifetime of memories, it is a fitting reflection of the man he was: courageous enough to take a chance, curious enough to pursue his interests, and deeply devoted to the people he loved.

Mike will be laid to rest at a private graveside service surrounded by his family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Exchange Club of Urbana. Condolences may be made at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.