The family of Mikhail Ilyenko of Chariton, IA announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
What we offer here is gratitude wrapped in remembrance.
A parent leaves not only memory, but the people they helped become.
A funeral service for Mikhail Ilyenko, 61, of Chariton, will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Church in Chariton, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Following the service, interment will be held at the Chariton Cemetery.
Memorials may be made out in care of Mikhails family.
On January 3, 1965, Mikhail was born in Ukraine, to Ivan and Yekaterina (Lavrenok) Ilyenko. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance which were qualities that would define his life. He proudly served in the Ukrainian Army before beginning the next chapter of his life. Later, he earned his CDL and found what he often considered his favorite job, driving a truck.
For more than 25 years, Mikhail dedicated himself to Hy-Vee, serving as a truck driver out of the Chariton Distribution Center. He began his career there in 2001 and became known as someone others could always count on. He never hesitated to pick up an extra shift, take an additional route, or help wherever he was needed. Through long days, difficult weather, and countless miles on the road, Mikhail approached his work with determination, reliability, and quiet pride. He believed in doing things the right way and expected that same strong work ethic from his children, teaching them by both his words and his example.
Outside of work, Mikhail found joy in simple and meaningful things. He loved farming, fixing cars, and especially beekeeping. He had a special appreciation for bees and the patience and care they required. If someone needed help with a project, repair, or task, Mikhail was often the first to show up. His family knew they could call on him for anything, and he rarely said no when someone needed a helping hand.
Above all else, Mikhail loved the Lord. His faith in Jesus was the foundation of his life. He gave his heart fully to Christ and worked hard to raise his children to know, love, and follow Him as well. His faith was not simply something he spoke about, but it was something he lived every day through his kindness, humility, generosity, and devotion to his family.
Mikhail experienced both deep love and deep loss in his lifetime. His first wife, Yelena, passed away in 2010, a loss he carried closely in his heart. God later blessed him with love again when he married Elena on March 3, 2013. Together, they beautifully blended their families and built a home centered on faith, love, and togetherness. Mikhail welcomed Elena's children like his own. The two were together for thirteen wonderful years.
Mikhail treasured being a father and was incredibly proud of his children, but becoming a grandfather brought him a special kind of joy. His grandchildren were one of his greatest blessings, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Whether offering advice, lending a hand, or simply enjoying time together, he made each of them feel deeply loved.
Mikhail will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his servant's heart, his tireless work ethic, and the love he poured into his family. His life was one of purpose, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.
Though his family's hearts are broken, they find peace in knowing exactly where he is, in the arms of Jesus, hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
In his final chapter of life, Mikhail showed the same strength and determination that defined him for so many years. After being diagnosed with cancer, he faced his illness with remarkable courage and unwavering faith that inspired those around him. Though his family wished for more time, they found peace in knowing his suffering had ended and that he is now healed and whole in the presence of the Lord he faithfully served.
On May 2, 2026, Mikhail passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is now reunited with loved ones who went before him and resting in the eternal peace he so faithfully believed in. He is preceded by his wife, Yelena in 2010, an infant daughter, Leah, and his parents.
Mikhail will be deeply missed by his wife, Elena; his children: Andrey (Taylor), Pavel, Mikhail (Alex), Katerina, Ivan, David, Daniel (Hannah), Anna (Ben), Mark, Natalie (Tanner), Sam (Erin), Amy, Roman, Jason (Lesya), Angela (Damon), Josh, Alex (Tiana), Nickolas, Ella, and Lidia; 10 grandchildren and counting; along with many other extended family members and friends.
