We welcomed the family of Michael Gul on October 21st to be a part of the dedication of a bench in his memory.
Here is the written memorial from Michael's family:
Just in case you were wondering about the reason for the bench...
Michael Gul was a kind and friendly young man who had a heart as big as the sky and a spark in his eyes that captured your attention the first time you ever spoke to him. It is safe to say if you ever had spoken to Michael if only for a moment, you were his friend.
Michael came to live in Prophetstown mid-way through his 5th grade year and he quickly became friends with almost everyone he met. He was extremely proud of his newly found Prophetstown roots, and participated in both Erie-Prophetstown Co-Op Sports and Prophetstown sports competing in football, track and was manager for the basketball team at Prophetstown High School. He was a team member of both the 2012 and 2013 EP Football squads that participated in the IHSA 3-A state football playoffs. Michael was proud to be called both a Panther and Prophet. His spontaneous spirit, enthusiasm, and the way he cheered for and encouraged anyone and everyone is unmatched.
Michael was a 2014 graduate of Prophetstown High School and earned the Three Rivers Conference Academic Achievement award as a 4 year student athlete. Michael graduated in 2019 from Rockford University with a degree in Sports Management which enabled him to pursue a career in Parks and Recreation.
Michael was a good family man and took pride in being a good father to his sons Joseph and Rory. Michael was abruptly taken from us in June of 2025 but his presence is still felt by those who knew and loved him.
The Prophetstown Park District has worked with the Michael's family to honor his memory with this bench to be used as not only a place to rest for those who visit the Park District, but also a place to remember Michael and the things he taught us about how we should be by just being himself and a friend to all.
Michael C. Gul
11/15/95-06/15/2025