John Joseph Miller (1964)

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Who could ever forget the Night people and the Cellar ??? 

Ann Lowry (1965)

Our hearts already feel the loss. You are missed already. Maybe you and Mike Ragen can start a new band.  Until we meet again we will cherish the memories. ❤️

Tom Everette (1965)

Mike, you will be missed sadly and remembered fondly.  There must be a Town Talk, White Spot, and Root Beer stand in Heaven, so rev up the Corvair, drag Main, and let 'er rip!

Phillip Edmiston (1965)

I will always remember our years at ERHS. Your wildness, friendship and musical talent will long be remembered. Play on Marble Man.

Marcella Cummins (Zorn) (1965)

So many memories from our first days at St. Joe together until our last visit this past March.  We will miss our sweet and funny troubadour more than words can say.  

Michael A. Kocher (1965)

Mike Warnelis, Summy Shimkus, and Tom Sliva, the 3 musketeers of classroom antics and comedy at St. Joe gradeschool. I can't think of one without the other 2. A couple more memories jump to the front from gradeschool. Mike lived around the corner and across the street, from the school. My Dad worked at the chevrolet dealership, a block over from Mike's house. Mike spent time after school visiting with him. This must have been 4th or 5th grade. My dad road his bike to work daily. After work one day, Mike challenged him to a game of chicken on the bikes. My dad accepted, I don't have to tell you, it was a draw, nobody swerved and there was a collision, no one hurt. Mike was always looking for adventure or creating entertainment. He came to school one day with some small granules, from the chevy garage, that looked like chat. He gave anybody, who would participate, a granule to hold in the palm of their hand and told them to spit on it. It fizzed and burnt like a hot coal. That was our introduction to carbide.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his wife and family. 

Rod Everette (1965)

Rod Everette 1965

I was shocked when I heard of Mike's passing. Will always remember those fun times at St. Joe.

There was no dares left undone! I think we were well prepared for ERHS. I know Mike was! I know all

of us St. Joe class members will sorely miss Mike and his mischievous smile. My prayers are with

his wife, family and loved ones.

Richard Wilson (1968)

Mike Warnelis at a JABO Collectors Tribute Legacy meeting - "JABO" refers to the company formed by Jack Bogard who's father Clayton bought the Heaton Agate Company swirl marble ("cat's eye") making machine equipment in 1971.

Richard Wilson (1968)

Things we didn't know enough to ask about? https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/anythinggoes43567/new-decade-run-collector-s-set-now-available-updat-t1926.html

Richard Wilson (1968)

The Night People - Ain't Gonna Happen - From Mike Warnelis:  45 was recorded in Flora, IL at a small Christian music studio with low production values. I was the lead singer and had a head cold which is my excuse for the nasal sound. The song was about partially based on an off-and-on-again girlfriend of mine who cheated on me. The Night People played for about 5 years around the Southern Illinois USA area. The war in Vet Nam broke the band up as Melvin Knoblett and Dressback went to the service. Please Facebook message Kelly Walker who was the Manager of the band for years and can share additional information and photos that exist that he has written about The Night People. Melvin Knoblett still plays mostly alone for the elderly at nursing homes and churches. [Poster - Wednesday, June 21 & Saturday, June 24, 1967] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_rSIWtQ62U  [Melvin Knoblett on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/melvinknoblett - and on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuznh30f-GJNvC4ewqAs1g - Melvin writes that "The Night People" often played at the Crystal Club in Effingham on Wednesdays & Saturdays - here's a link to a newspaper article about the club with 4 vintage interior photos https://www.effinghamdailynews.com/news/local_news/building-that-housed-popular-club-to-be-torn-down/article_d5a359fd-6973-5717-b81b-59787efaca5b.html  ]