Coyle, Captain Michael K. Thur. Nov. 12, 2020. Beloved husband of Vera Coyle (nee: Pobrizgayeva); loving father of Jamie (Eric) Coyle, Kathleen (Philip) Braswell, Danielle (Alex) Coyle and Michelle (Jason) Lehde; step-father of Slava Prokhorets; dearest grandfather of Allison, Emmie, Riley and Sam; cherished son of the late Charles J. and Marilyn (nee: Johnson) Coyle; dear brother of Tony (Denise) Coyle, Theresa (John) Bundstein, Patty (Matt) Mertens, Jim Coyle and Johanna Coyle; our dear uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.
Mike earned his captain’s license at the age of 21. He was employed by Luhr Bros. Inc. for 29 years and was the captain of the M.V. Twyla Luhr for 22 years. He held his Master Inland license and Master Near-Coastal license as well. Mike was an encyclopedia of river history. He enjoyed traveling and bluegrass music festivals.
Services: Funeral at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Tue. Nov. 17, 10 am. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donation to St. Louis Mercantile Library, appreciated. Visitation Monday 4-8 pm
I’ve known you many years and will always remember with a smile at the laughs we had when riding together , You will be missed by many Captain Mike
My deepest condolences and prayers from my family! Was a pleasure working with Captain Mike.
Even though I only knew Michael Coyle for a short time I enjoyed talking to him about Wicks. Wicks was my birthplace and he had been there often. Wicks is a little town on the Merimac River close to the Mississippi River
RIP old Friend, and may the water ways take you towards your heavenly rewards. You will be missed by everyone.
Godspeed to you RIP and peace to your family !!
I am heartbroken by the news that Mike has left this world. We met when we were 4 years old. We went all through school together, riding the same bus, and stayed in touch all of these years. He used to act silly before we even started school just to make me laugh. He always treated me and my family with respect. He is one of the kindest men I know with a heart of gold. When he cared for you, it wasn’t a secret. Vera, you were truly his other half. He worshipped you and the girls. I wish I knew how to ease your pain. Rest in peace, Mike.
You all have my deepest sympathy of losing a great guy. He was a enjoy to have around. We all will miss Michael.
Prayers
God bless you my friend. You have always had a heart of gold and the story to tell. You enjoyed life so much. You gave so much life to so many people. All your stories. A riverboat adventures. The Vera adventures. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. Love you
Rest in peace my brother !
Mike was a larger than life character. With his booming voice and many humerous stories, everyone always gathered around him when he was in a room. He had such a big heart and cared so much for all of his family. He was such a good person. He will be sorely missed. I am so sorry for Aunt Marilyn, Vera and the whole family.
Mike is a soul everlasting, nere, has a soul burned so bright, as a long winters nap, came a tapping, the light dimming out into the night.
Mike is timeless, enchanting, everlasting, in my mind he still lives, going on.
Family his cause, his commander, through rough seas, has he conquered, destroyed.
All he touched it now glows with with a shimmer, all he touched, it now glows from his Joy, for he is a Holy commander, upon dead destined sail, through the night.
And alas I am ever reminded, of his voice ringing out like Mark Twain, for now on there travels together, where their lives, are now one the same.
And Now,
amongst heavens familiar’s, there is, a new kind of a light, it burns brighter than lights in the millions , it burns brighter, out into the night,
On his voice came the deeds of his life, we all listen in utter amaze, like the Prophet, had spoke to Almitra, he has blessed us, and healed with his gaze.
For as night has come hither to claim him, his love binds us tight like a scar. Nere before have I sat at his table, nere before am I now on my knees, his great glory is our ever after , his brave voice beams out now on the seas, for he claimed at the hand of our father, his new manifest about to embark, All the Coyles are now on his charter, his father in lead of the lark. He’s now Captain of highest ranking, his service is on the great ship, of the SS Coyle Everlasting, now filled with our hearts on his ship.
Capt. Mike and I never met personally, only on Facebook, but I considered him one of the best friends I ever had in the way riverboat pilots might talk to each other for years over the radio but never meet face to face. My deepest sympathy to Vera, family, friends, and crew members who love Cap’n Michael Coyle.
Michael, I so enjoyed your stories and photos of the Mississippi River. You were a kind man and will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, Captain.
Just heard of this sad news. I am now listening to John Hartford and having whiskey before breakfast. Captain Mike would like this.
Watching the River go by
Roll on Capt Mike, see you on the other side.
P. S. Say hi to my parents and John Hartford ❤️
God Bless you Michael Coyle. You will be missed and may you Rest In Peace with God. Condolences to the family, hugs and prayers too! Sending my love to all.
Vera Jamie Danielle Michelle and Kathleen:
Our hearts are with you in this difficult time. We love you!
Teresa John and Rachel Bundstein
We are heartbroken at the news of your death. Mike you were a wonderful, caring, and giving man. A man with a huge heart. We will miss your stories and good times together. Our hearts and prayers are with Vera and the family. May you rest in peace.
Always enjoyed the conversations that I had when I worked with Capt. Mike and listening to the Stories and knowledge of River History that he had acquired over the years. Capt. Mike will be missed! We would like to let the Family know that they will be in our thoughts and prayers in these days & weeks ahead.
Everyone lost good captain good man and my prayers goes out the family he will be missed.
Danielle – We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
My heart aches, the loss of a legend on the Mississippi.
Mike was a friend to everyone he met.
Sail on Michael.
Many thoughts and prayers for you family. Ed worked with him for years and enjoyed his company and his many many stories. He will be missed by the Luhr family and hope all those memories you have of him will make you smile.
My sweet,hilarious,oh-soo-interesting cousin,Cpt.Mike was truly one of a kind.He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.He was always the center of attention at family gatherings due to his fantastic story telling gift-always ending with the entire household cracking up.I’ll especially miss his beautiful pics & stories he’d share on facebook.Such a kind,loving soul!❤
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Mike. You have our deepest sympathy. Jeff and Brenda Hawkins and family.
I don’t remember when I met him but it was on the bluffs by the old Koch hospital looking at the Mississippi River. Later he was a frequent visitor at my parents house and dinner table. He was a friend to all he encountered. I babysat his children and even if you hadn’t seen him in a long time the warmth you felt at the mention of his name would bring a flood of wonderful memories. I hadn’t seen him in a long while and never met Vera. The ache I feel at his loss and the sympathy I feel for his family especially Jamie, Kathleen, Danielle and Michelle has taken me a while to put into words. This is one wonderful man that is gone too soon and will never be forgotten by many .