Michael D. Wasson, 79, of Brimfield, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born December 21, 1946 in Peoria to the late Roy and Madeline Midgley Wasson. On November 14, 1970, he married Constance Engholm in Woodhull; she preceded him in death in 2015 and he missed her greatly during the final decade of his life. He married Karen Kimball (Gordon) on June 25, 2017; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Sarah Ziemba of Brimfield and Tim Wasson of Germantown Hills; his grandchildren, Jack, Peter, Lucy, Daisy, and Sally; and his siblings, Carol O'Reilly of Chillicothe and Mark Wasson of Atlanta, GA.

Mike was a Peoria native, spending his childhood riding his bike around Sheridan Village with his buddies and attending Richwoods High School and Bradley University. In 2005, Mike retired from Peoria School District 150 after 25 years serving students as a social worker. His generous and kind nature made this job a perfect fit, as Mike collaborated with a network of colleagues to support families around Peoria. A family legacy of entrepreneurship allowed him to follow his interests while supporting his family, initially working alongside his father at Wasson Lumber Company.

He founded Mike's Tripowers in 1978, beginning his lifelong passion for restoring and modifying classic cars. His expertise in servicing and rebuilding the Pontiac Tripower carburetor for classic car enthusiasts gained him a large network of acquaintances and an excellent reputation. His voice lives on at pontiactripower.com; the Tripower Myths webpage www.pontiactripower.com/pages/tripower-myths is from his original website built with his son's assistance in the early 90's.

Connecting with others was paramount to him and is evidenced by the many friends he leaves behind. He loved nothing more than gathering and telling one of his many stories, and his volunteer service at Wheels O' Time Museum put all these qualities and knowledge to great use. He was an active, engaged member of Northwest United Methodist Church in Peoria for decades and enjoyed serving there. Mike contracted polio as a young boy and carried lasting effects but never allowed this to limit him in daily life experiences, making him a strong example of persistence and positivity to those around him.

Most of all, he was a devoted son, husband, dad, grandpa and friend. His legacy stretches far and is comprised of dedicated, loving service to others.

On Monday, August 17, 2026 from 4-7:00pm at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, Mike's life will be celebrated with an informal visitation and car show (held in the parking lot) to allow stories and memories to be shared. A funeral service will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Northwest United Methodist Church in Peoria. Interment will be at Woodhull Cemetery in Woodhull.

Memorial contributions are preferred as a way to honor Mike's legacy. These may be made to Sophia's Kitchen, the Picket Fence Foundation or the Wheels O' Time Museum.