Michael Cyril Wynn, 79, died on June 11, 2026, at home in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, surrounded by his immediate family.
A celebration of life to be held October 23 in Hillsboro with details forthcoming.
Mr. Wynn was born October 23, 1946, in Peoria to parents Cyril Richard Wynn and Marie Wynn Eades, née Hybiski. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1964, where his stepfather Walter Eades owned the local Dairy Queen. He graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and in 1968 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany until 1970.
Mr. Wynn returned to Litchfield where he met, married and started a family with Kathy White. They celebrated 53 years of marriage this April. While living in Hillsboro, Mr. Wynn and his wife restored the Hayward-Hill House on Main Street and led the effort to register it on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1973 he joined International Paper (IP), starting a 39-year career with the company, where he enjoyed roles across production planning, sales and customer service and project management. The company moved the family from Illinois to Minneapolis, to Modesto, CA, and finally to Memphis, TN, where the Wynn’s lived for 20 years in Germantown. Mr. Wynn particularly enjoyed his time running IP’s Turlock plant, when he and the family got to know northern California.
For many years the Wynn’s enjoyed Christmas holidays in San Francisco, where Mr. Wynn developed his appreciation for Sonoma County wines. One of his most notable professional opportunities was being tapped to manage the construction of a new plant in Saint-Priest outside of Lyon, France. He accepted the challenge with characteristic confidence, relished the chance to live in France and came away with close European colleagues and friends.
Mr. Wynn and his wife moved to Santa Rosa Beach, FL, when he retired in 2012, enjoying the laid back beach lifestyle, incomparable gulf views and new friendships with neighbors. He remained a lifelong fan of St. Louis Blues hockey, LSU sports and Formula One racing. His interests were evident in his many collections - WWII literature, antique toy soldiers and wine.
Mr. Wynn had a quick wit, a respectful and curious demeanor that he employed in connecting meaningfully with folks from all walks of life and a genuine interest in new people, places and cultures. He had a distinctive sense of style - in clothing, his signature hairstyle and a gourmand approach to enjoying life.
Mr. Wynn is survived by his wife, Kathleen White Wynn; son, Alec Wynn; daughter, Molly Wynn Banuelos) (Jaime Banuelos); grandchildren, Ander and Lucia Banuelos and sisters and brothers in-law, Kim White, Cindy Pettry (Harvey Pettry), Rich White (Glenda White), Nancy Lane (Tom Sagartz), Patti Fuller (Steve Fuller); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Scott Richard Wynn; stepbrothers, Jerry Eades and Steve Eades; and brother-in-law, Michael B. White.
In lieu of flowers, the memorial contributions may be made to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans or The Historical Society of Montgomery County sent to 305 South Broad St., Hillsboro, IL 62049.
