Mike was a great guy! / Jon Terronez (Friend, student ) My condolences go out to the family! Mike was a great guy. He was my liason officer at John Deere Middle School then at Moline High School. He was very easy to talk to and if I knew something that was going to go bad around school he would be the first I would tell. He gave me a tour of the police station and dispatch center and helped me pursue my career into law enforcement. He would always stop by when I was working valet at a downtown restaurant and check to see how I was doing and what I was going to continue doing with my life. Just that much made me think alot of him and what he was all about. I know he will be an angel watching over all those who he cared for and knew. I could not thank him enough for the impact he had on my life. I will always pray for him and the family. God Bless!
Our deepest sympathy / Mike Bailey (Fellow Peace Officer ) Our deepest sympathies go to you and your family during this time. I may have met Mike sometime over the years, and I may not have, but he was still a member of my "family" and so are you. God be with you during these days ahead.
Detective Mike Bailey and wife Melissa Bailey Muscatine County Sheriff's Office
didn't know very well / Nate Dennis (Logan's friend ) Logan and family,
Hi, I didn't know Mike very well or at all but from what I read on this very well put together site, he was a wonderful man. I wish that I could have at least gotten to know him in a better way. I know that there are NO words to make you all feel better, but something that can help you to the next day and beyond. The whole Dennis family give you our condolences, and just remember he's not only in a better place, but he will continue to look over you and the little ones. My dad's co-worker just passed away, a freak accident, and his wife knows just how hard it is, and he had three children and only one will have full-fledged memories of him. Anyway, my family and I are very very sorry for what happened to Mike and your family, and just know that he loved you all with all of his heart and then some. As time goes by it will get less painful, but I know from losing a very loved one that that pain never goes away. Sincerely, Nathan Dennis and Family.
To Logan / Brett Richter (My best friend ) Logan,
First of all, thanks for putting this together.
I could write for hours on all the good times Mike and I had together. He has been my best friend for over 30 years. Instead, I would like to share with you some things that I have learned over the past couple of days. Hopefully it will help you later in life, so that you are not having to write a memorial like this.
Please . . . Never take for granted that your loved ones will always be there. Let them know as often as you can that you are there. I have made many mistakes in my life, but I can tell you that one mistake that I regret the most is that I did not keep in contact with Mike over the past few years like I should have. I always thought that I had plenty of time to reconnect with him. I wished I had made more of an effort to tell him what he meant to me. Man, I wished I had ten more minutes with him. I will live with that for the rest of my life. So please share this with your brothers and sisters, it may not sound like good advice now but hopefully you will understand as you get older.
The second thing that I want to pass on to you is to never judge your dad based on what has been written in the paper, the blogs, etc. over the past couple of days. That would be the second tragedy that has occurred. Your dads life was more than all of that. He has helped more people in his short life than most of us have combined in our life time. He was, is, and always will be a great man. Never forget, he was a great husband, father, son and to me my best friend.
We will always be here for all of you.
Brett Richter
Old time friend from Andover / J. (friend) I grew up in Andover and just like everyone else you can always remember the good old days and boy doesn't it bring back a tear to your eyes to just think about going back to the old times. I am so so so sorry and will keep not only Mike but the family in my prayers. May the kids be blessed and for the wife please turn to God to help you with the hard times. Remember him always for he will be watching everyone. Take care and God Bless
My God Comfort you / Raymond Goossens (officer) I didnt know Mike well,but as a father myself, my heart goes out to the kids and family, May God be with you in this time of sorrow,My Prayers are with you.
Captain/ Andrew Tolle (Fellow Police Officer ) To the Sottos Family, my heart goes out to you all in this time of sorrow. Although I never knew Mike, I have fond childhood memories from the 1960’s of playing at the Sottos home on W. Main St. in Galesburg, IL. As a fellow police officer, it saddens me to hear of your loss.
poem for all of you! May God Comfort you all! / Robin Don't judge me for how I left this world, remember the love that I gave. A lot of grief will follow me, for the decision that I have made.
Changes appear in everyone's life, some good, some bad. The one that I chose for myself made everyone very sad.
But in time, memories will heal the hurt of hearts and my presence will be felt by all with an inner peace. Remember me when the sun is bright and laughter fills the air, and a moonlit night and whispers of wind will tell you that I am there.
Don't look down on my family or fill their hearts with blame. For my leaving them without good-byes, they will never be the same.
If I could go back in time, I say a last good-bye, I'd tell them to look to tomorrow and for me......do not cry......
neighbors/ Trish Carlson (neighbor) My thoughts and prayers will always be with you and the family. May you lean on me anytime, to have Mike as a neighbor was a great pleasure as you know through Sydney who lives at your house or so it seems. Mike always included Syd in the activities and really in everything he was always so good to her. Be strong Debbie your faith will get you through this you are in my prayers and so are your beautiful children may God bless you all.
Trish, Andy ,Sydney and Alexis Carlson
My deepest sympathy / Brad Renihan (friend)
It's hard not remembering Mike without a smile on his face or joke in the air. His good nature made it so easy to talk to him. I have truely been blessed having known Mike during our school years together. It's those fun and happy memories that will always stay with me. My heart and prayers go out to Mike's family. God bless you all.
IF WE COULD BE KIDS AGAIN / Colene Tracy (Friend) It seems so long ago that we all lived in Andover. Where did the days go when we didn't have a care in the world? The most important thing to us at that time was who's yard we were going to play kickball or basketball or tag in. Or maybe who's Mom we were going to get popscicles from that afternoon. I remember the evenings playing baseball in the back of Brett's house with you, Brett, Todd, Joel, Jerry, Mandy, Deanna and the rest of the gang. Mike, we are all going to miss you. We'll remember your sweet smile and the kindness that you showed everyone. Never did you treat anyone badly and I guess that's what I'll remember most about you. May God keep you wrapped tight in his arms until we all see you again. I'll miss you.
To Mike's Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be strong through all of this.
To Logan: I have only met you a few times but from the way you have conducted yourself, I know that Mike would be proud of you as he always has.
My deepest sympathy / Shelly Johnson (teacher and friend ) I have so many memories, wonderful memories from watching Mike's progression to adulthood at Orion High School, the basketball games, the conversations we had in his grandmother Dee's living room, to the excitement of his coming wedding and subsequent births of his children. It was joy to be around Mike. I last saw Mike in June and he was so pleased that he was adding to his family. His face lit up whenever he talked about them. I was so honoured to have known him and to know so many in the Sottos family. Mike was a genuinely selfless man. He had a beautiful soul which enriched the lives of anyone who came in contact with him. My heart is full and hollow. Full for the beauty of the memories I hold and hollow at the loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Sottos family and to the wider community for the loss of a great human being.
Deepest Sympathy / Bob &. Judy Fuller We are saddened by your loss of a great husband,father,uncle and friend to many. Your family will be remembered in our prayers.
In Remembrance / Dan Grisham (Former Colleague/Officer ) I worked with Mike from 1995 until I left the Moline P.D. on disability in 1999. I always knew him to be a very composed and level-headed person who always did his best. I never worried about going on a call with him, because I knew that he knew what he was doing.
When I first heard the terrible news I was deeply shocked and saddened and am at a loss to try and figure it out. All I do know is that the world has lost a great man, the law enforcement community has lost an outstanding officer and, worst of all, his family has lost a wonderful husband and father.
To Deb, I offer my deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers. May God bring His comfort, peace and protection to you in this time of need and always.
Dan, Beth and Daniel (Jr.) Grisham
With Sympathy / Paula Hamerlinck-Bopes (Friend) After graduating from college 10 years ago, I was very nervous when I started my job as a new RN in the Emergency Room at Trinity Medical Center. During my first week on 3rd shift I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Mike Sottos enter the ER in a Moline Police Uniform. Since that first night, I had many occasions to interact with him on a professional level. He was smart, kind, level headed & had a gently personality. I always looked forward to seeing Mike & welcomed his smile, during those (often long & stressful) night shifts. I feel honored to have know Mike since our school days at Orion & blessed to have worked with him in my adult life. I am saddened by his loss and pray that God will watch over his family. God bless you all. You are in my thoughts & prayers
My prayers are with you all!! / Veronica (Wilson) Schroeder (HS/College Friend )
Although I haven't seen Mike in a while, I can easily bring to mind his smile and his funny, dry, quick-witted remarks. Mike, Val, Greg O. and I shared many dinners in the cafeteria at Western - there was often a lot more laughing than eating going on. Mike had such a kind spirit. I know he will be deeply missed. I pray that the Lord holds all of you in the palm of His hand during this sorrowful time, and that He will grant you peace.
God Bless you all / Cassie Hanson (friend of Jennie ) I have been a friend of Jennie's for the past 4 years. Although I only met Mike once I know he was a wonderful man just because of the fond way in which his sister always talked about him. I enjoyed the stories of Mike and his family very much. In a way I felt like I knew him personally. God bless Mike and all his family. You are all in our prayers.
In Loving Memory / Carrie Idle (Friend of sister Angie ) To Mike's entire family, my heart goes out to you all at this terrible time. My son Dylin, played baseball with his nephew, Andrew, and it was not uncommon for Mike and his family to show up at games to cheer the boys on. He was a great father with beautiful children and I hope that they know as they grow what a wonderful man their father was. I work at The Mark of the Quad Cities and have worked many events with both Mike and Jerry. The last time I saw Mike was during the Taste of the Quad Cities, when he was riding around on bike patrol, I had stopped to talk to him to congratulate him on the new baby that is coming. Mike was a wonderful police officer and he helped make our city one that I am proud to live in. Again, my deepest sympathies and if there is anything that I can do during this dark time, please do not hesitate. God Bless You, Mike and may you rest in peace.
What can you really say at a time like this? / Emelie (total stranger ) Its really hard to come up with the right words to say in a time like this - Although I didnt know him personally I am sure this is a difficult time for you right now> I read a few of the other condolences and from what I have read he was an awesome person. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time - I know it may not seem like it right now but God never gives us more than we can handle and I know he will take care of you right now and make sure you get through this difficult time! God Bless you all!
My Sympathy / Janice Viernow (Logan's Teacher )
To the Sottos Family, My prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless.
Tributes and Condolences
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