Michael S. Plunkett

Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

Obituary

Michael Stewart Plunkett October 2, 1937 – June 18, 2026

Michael Stewart Plunkett passed away peacefully with his family present on June 18, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida, at the age of 88.

Born on October 2, 1937, in Moline, Illinois, to the late Stewart and Lois Plunkett, Mike spent most of his life in Moline, Illinois, where he built an extraordinary career and a lasting legacy. He graduated from Moline High School in 1955 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from Augustana College in 1968.

He joined Deere & Company in 1958 and over the course of 39 years held positions of increasing responsibility, including General Manager of the John Deere Foundry from 1975 to 1977, Director of Healthcare from 1977 to 1980, and Vice President of Industrial Relations and Personnel from 1980 to 1983. He served as Senior Vice President of Engineering, Technical and Human Resources from 1983 until his retirement in 1997, and sat on Deere's corporate board of directors from 1986 to 1993. Mike was a driving force behind Deere's entry into health-care management, working with the UAW and the Mayo Clinic to establish the company's first family clinic, and he helped negotiate several major labor contracts over the years, including one covering 8,500 UAW workers. His leadership, vision, and commitment to the company helped shape both the organization and the broader community it called home.

Mike was deeply community minded, serving on the boards of the First National Bank of Moline and its successor, Bank One Quad Cities, HON Industries, the Quad City Civic Center Authority, and Junior Achievement of the Quad Cities Area, as well as a Trustee of St. Ambrose University. He was also an active supporter of Renew Moline and the Quad City Development Group, and remained a supporter of Augustana College, his alma mater, throughout his life.

His community contributions extended well beyond the boardroom. At a time when Moline and the Quad Cities were recovering from the hardships of the 1980s farm crisis, Mike was among the Deere leaders who invested in the region's future. Working alongside then-Chairman Robert Hanson, he helped secure Deere & Company's donation of its former John Deere Plow Co. property, the act that made The MARK of the Quad Cities possible. Colleagues later credited him with quietly keeping that effort alive behind the scenes until it was finished. When the John Deere Classic faced an uncertain future in the mid-1990s, Mike was among the Deere executives who championed the company's commitment, first as presenting sponsor and ultimately as title sponsor, helping secure both the tournament's future and the creation of TPC Deere Run. These were not simply corporate decisions; they were acts of confidence in a community Mike believed in deeply.

Outside of his professional achievements, Mike was known for his enthusiasm for automobiles. A lifelong car enthusiast, he owned 52 cars over the course of his life and never lost his appreciation for exceptional design, engineering, and the joy of the open road. He was also an avid golfer who enjoyed many rounds with friends and family and claimed two holes-in-one.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Billiet Plunkett, whom he married in Moline, Illinois, on August 22, 1959. Together they shared 52 years of marriage and raised three sons.
He is survived by his brother, Brian Plunkett (Ellen), and their daughters, Leslie and Stephanie. He is also survived by his three sons and their wives: Timothy Plunkett (Cyndi), Todd Plunkett (Amy), and Doug Plunkett (Jayne).
Mike was a proud grandfather to Maeve Plunkett Smith (Ryan), Meghan Plunkett Ledford (Tyler), Michael Plunkett, and Mallory Plunkett. One of his greatest joys in his final months was welcoming his first great-grandchild, Finley Smith, born in May 2026.

Later in life, Mike married Kathy (Mathews) Plunkett. Together they shared 10 years of marriage in Longboat Key, Florida. They enjoyed traveling, watching sports together, and spending time with their dog, Kelly. He is survived by Kathy and her children, Michelle (Mike) and Jeff (Kimberly), and their children, Eric, Emily, and Logan.

A private celebration of life will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Tidewell Hospice - Sarasota Hospice House
5957 Rand Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34238
(941) 552-7691  

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