Michael James Boyd peacefully passed away at home with his wife, Lois, at his side on Sunday, January 14, 2024. He had fought a long, challenging battle with a rare form of cancer called Malignant Paraganglioma. Many thanks go out to the excellent team working with Dr. Dillon and Dr. Laux in the cancer clinics at the University of Iowa. Although they knew it would be terminal, they didn’t give up trying to offer hope and quality of life with medical science on their side. Mike’s faith gave him the courage to face each day with optimism and hope. Although he didn’t want to leave his loved ones behind, he looked forward to heaven and seeing Jesus.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 West First Street, Ankeny, Iowa, 50023. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Ankeny Funeral Home. Burial will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Mike was born in Albia, Iowa on June 5, 1956. Mike grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Hoover High School in 1974. He enlisted in the Army immediately following graduation. He served as a medic and went to Germany for three years before returning home to continue a life of service. He remained active in the military by joining the National Guard and Army Reserves, the latter of which allowed him to become a flight medic, which he dearly loved. Working full time at the Veterans Medical Center in Des Moines, he began as a nursing assistant, but soon found his niche in physical therapy, where he spent several years before retiring with 30 years of service. Mike was intentional about making personal connections with other veterans and was willing to help anyone in need. Mike was also a member of the American Legion Post 464 in Adel, Iowa.
Mike met his wife, Lois Boyd (Zenor), while attending classes at DMACC in Ankeny in 1981. They were married July 9, 1982. They continued to live in the area to stay close to family. Together, they worked on endless home and yard projects. Mike loved woodworking, and he would spend hours out in his shop. Over the years, there were several pets, but Mike had a special bond to Lucy, his feisty, loveable little Westie. Other hobbies included spending time outdoors, and fishing became quite a passion as they competed over who was catching the best fish. Mike had hoped to do more traveling, but his health just wouldn’t permit it, so in the end, he loved watching beautiful nature videos of some of his favorite places.
Mike leaves behind his loving wife, Lois, and a step-brother, Paul Biggs of Des Moines. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Biggs; father, Cliff Boyd, and step-mother, Florence Boyd.
Memorials will be directed to the family in loving memory of Mike.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com for the Boyd family.
