Mike, or “S” as he was known, was a teacher, friend, scientist, star gazer, avid golfer, cat cuddler, peanut butter and wine connoisseur (not necessarily together!), and enjoyer of life.
He was born March 14, 1948 in Keokuk and died in Keokuk on October 23, 2021, and attended elementary school through Junior College there, later graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in Education.
He married Linda Mathiascheck on June 5, 1969.
His professional life was spent largely in Gowrie, Iowa where he taught science. He was also very active in community organizations from the volunteer ambulance, volunteer fire department, Jaycees, and Trees Forever at the football field. He loved sports, especially golf, and ran the Gowrie Fourth of July golf tournament for decades.
Mike’s life motto was, “Education Is Liberation” and he strongly believed every person should have the opportunity to learn and achieve, regardless of their circumstances. A younger colleague in Gowrie once said, “Mike taught me that it doesn’t matter what you teach a student as long as you teach them to think.”
When he retired in 2004, he spent some time on the riverboat, The Lilly Belle (Audubon Ark), assisting science programs.
In 2005 he accepted a position with the Keokuk School District, his alma mater, Class of 1966. There he taught algebra and then chemistry. He retired again in 2019.
To celebrate 50 years of marriage, he and Linda took trips to China, including Tibet, and around the coast of South America.
He loved his cats, his pond, his turtles, birds, cranes, and critters. He loved golf and his buddies. He loved his family. He was an all-around “good guy”.
The family welcomes friends and former students to leave a note either on his Facebook page or on his remembrance page. Please share a moment where you learned something from him, a moment you laughed with him, a moment where you shared a perfect golf drive or putt, a moment where you shared a meal, a moment where you watched the Warriors, Chiefs, Panthers, or Hawks win, or simply remember a moment when all was right in your world - whether he was with you or not.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, from 3:00-7:00pm at the DeJong-Greaves & Printy Funeral Home (917 Blondeau St, Keokuk, IA) and a graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 11:00am at the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you do a kind deed for a person or an animal in his honor.
DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
