Michael Lynn Wall

Michael (Mike) L. Wall Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend died peacefully on December 20, 2024. Mike was born on August 31,1945 in East St. Louis, IL, the second child of Ray and Jeri Wall. His older sister Judy preceded him in death on July 1st of this year. He has two younger siblings, Kathleen (Paul) Bonn and John (Rhonda) Wall. Mike and Judy have one daughter, Rebecca (Becky) who married Jim Bazata in 1997. They have three grandchildren, Joseph Bazata, Anna Bazata and Emme Bazata and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike attended Holy Angels Elementary School where he was a Boy Scout then was a varsity baseball player at Assumption Catholic High School. He received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering at Rolla School of Mines in Missouri. He also attended the Program for Management Development at Harvard University in Boston in 1984. In September 1967, he married Judith (Judy) Wright and began his career with Missouri Pacific Railroad. His railroad career was briefly interrupted by serving in the US Air Force as an On Board Communications Officer in 1968. After one year of active duty, he served for seven more years in the Reserve Unit at Scott Air Force Base, IL, ultimately becoming Commander before leaving in 1976. Continuing his career in railroading, Mike worked in St. Louis, MO then North Little Rock, AR (where he helped design the Jenks locomotive repair shop), Longview, TX, Houston, TX, and then back to St. Louis where he became Chief Mechanical Officer. In 1986 he moved to Omaha, NE with Union Pacific where he was named Assistant Vice President Mechanical Department. In 1995 he decided to accept a position with CSX Railroad in Jacksonville, FL fulfilling his dream of living where he visited his great grandmother when he was a little boy, and where he ultimately retired as Vice President Mechanical Department in December 2003. Mike was well-respected in the railroad community serving as President of Southwest Railway Club. He was a decision maker with a witty sense of humor who always looked for the good in everyone. He loved time with family, cars (especially Corvettes and Mustangs), the beach, and boating - having the patience of a saint teaching numerous friends and family members how to water ski. After retiring from the railroad, he enjoyed traveling, reading, and golf. He served seven years as a volunteer with Citizens Patrol of Hillsborough County Sheriffs Department out of his utmost respect for Law Enforcement - and his favorite TV show “Cops”. He was President of his community HOA, served on South Shore United Methodist Church Board as Trustee, and after a move to Clearwater Beach, was an active member of Mission City Church in Largo, FL. Mike touched many lives with his generosity and humor. A beautiful soul has left us and he will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 4th at Reichmuth Funeral Home at 21901 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022. Visitation begins at 10 AM, service at 11 AM followed by lunch. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Michael Lynn Wall

August 31, 1945 - December 20, 2024