I read a notice of Mike's passing in the Waterloo Courier.  Had to check and see if it was the Mike Potter I remembered from John Deere.  
Mike was a fine man who loved his wife and family.  He was a good machinist who we were sorry to lose in one of those layoffs, that John Deere is famous for.
I have never forgotten him as one of the good guys from Department 33 and had always hoped he found success for him and his family.

Dave and Mike worked at rms for a long time.  We would have 4th of  July parties in our backyard by SandCreek Park!  Lots of food and fireworks, the only problem was trying to leave.  We made a lot of our own fireworks and memories.  I'm sorry we can't be there Friday as we will be out of town.  Please know you have our deepest sympathy.  

I too shared the Class of 1964 with Mike at Madison Heights High School and remember his kindness and showing up at reunions. I didn't realize we were fellow Minnesotans, as I live just 80 miles South. We will all miss Mike and hope to see him at our Reunion in the Sky  when we all look decades younger and need no introductions! 

My favorite memory is Jim and I being baptized the same morning as you and Mike at Spring Lake Park Baptist Church. I also always appreciated Mike's willingness to donate things for Nicaragua when Jim and I were going. 

It has been a pleasure attending church with you two for 30+ years.  Mike will be missed.

I enjoyed working with Mike at arms. He was always whistling and made my day. He will truly be missed. RIP Mike.


Deepest sympathy to the family.   John 5:28


Dear Joanne and family,
We heard of Mike's illness and passing.
Our sincere sympathies on your loss.
Our heartfelt prayers as you travel this road.
Your friend at General Parts
Pat and Pat Mergens

I will you miss Mike.
Mike had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world when he would talk with you. He was kind and thoughtful and truly care about his friends and family. Mike also found time in a busy day to talk with you. He is an example of what I hope to become as I keep learning about life.
Thanks Mike!
Sincerely,
John Jacobs

I was a classmate of Mike's at Madison Heights High School, class of 1964. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I want to send my sincere condolences to Joanne and family.  May God's arms surround you with comfort during this difficult time.

So sad to hear the loss of such a nice person and freind, in honor of knowing and working with you Michael  our releasionship went back to the mid 80's  you mentored me for so many facets of my job,material control,building services and much more. Heck you even coached our softball teams that went onto many state tourneys. All the fishing trips to Canada, leech and winney are so much more memorable in the sadness  of your passing.  These memories will never be forgotten for me and so many of us .                                                   

Thanks  Mike !!!

I was able to get reacquainted with my Uncle Mike about 25 years ago. During that time we shared a lot of great talks about life, and he always told me to never regret the things or choices you make in life. I’ll always cherish the great times on the golf course and the few times we were together to share a meal.

I always knew that Uncle Mike loved woodworking and had a shop in his garage. A few years ago I asked if he could make a sign for my homes “MANCAVE” and he did. He made me a wooden Chicago Cubs sign that I’ll always keep and as a remberance of Uncle Mike and his love of woodworking. 

He was a great man and friend that will be missed by all who knew him. May your family find comfort in the days ahead knowing that you are no longer in pain and watching over them.

Thanks for everything Uncle Mike.

Brett, Wendy & Gavin Padgett 

Mike and I graduated from Madison Heights in 1964. He always came back for our reunions!!  Many of us kept in touch with Mike through Facebook sharing our prayers with him. 
I feel comfort knowing that Mike is in his heavenly home and in no more pain.
Sending hugs and prayers to you, JoAnne ,and your family.

Susan Jackson McDuffee

My first memory of my uncle Mike is from the early 80s he had a Smokey and the Bandit style trans am and I thought he was so cool. Later in life I learned that he was cool without the car because he was a great human being. Praying for comfort for the family. Josh and Heather Padgett

So sorry to hear about the loss of such a great friend. Mike was one of the gentlest, kindest, friendliest men I've ever met. He always had friendly words of encouragement, sound advice and a smile that let you know his friendship was real. Mike would always make an effort to call when he was coming down to Florida and say he wanted to go to my favorite restaurant for breakfast with me and just talk, which always meant a lot. He was also a great fishing and golf buddy. Rest in peace Bud! Reserve us a tee time for us.

I have had the pleasure to work with Mike for over 20 years. I  can't share all of my fond memories in a brief message but I can say he was a great person who did a great job and had compassion for everyone he came in contact with.
   
He always would call you BUD with a big  smile.
One funny memory I had was when we went fishing in Canada and we Portaged in to a lake to fish. On our way back we yelled out there is Bear Mike he turned around and fell over a log face down.. Mike will be missed ###

Dave Macallister 

Dear Joanne,
Words are not enough to convey how sorry we are. Mike was a friend and a neighbor to us. You folks moved into the Bunker Hills neighborhood a couple years after us.  We saw Amanda grow up, and as the years went by, we had more time to enjoy you as friends.  I remember your coming to our cabin up North.  We also enjoyed a meal or two at Willy McCoys  and Christmas cookies at our house. We enjoyed having you over to our porch in Andover for drinks.   He loved my gin and tonics.  He also loved my monster cookies but without the M&Ms.  I remember when you guys would come to my garage sales, and at the end of the day, share either a gin and tonic or a piña colada.   Mike was a good person, a kind person and a neighbor who would help others. We were fortunate to also call him our friend.    We will miss him!!!   We love you Mike!!!
❤️♥️😇. 

I have had the privilage to meet Mike on his first day at RMS. Mike was one of the nicest people i have ever known. RIP my friend until we meet again.

I had the privilege of working with Mike for much of his career at rms Company. As a buyer, Mike was one of the best. His list of contacts was seemingly endless and he knew just where to go for whatever we needed. While Mike always had our best interests in mind, he was fair and reasonable with our supplier partners. He was a true professional.  

During his time at rms, I had the opportunity to spend plenty of time with Mike fishing and playing golf. While he sometimes presented a tough exterior, he was a man with a big heart. It was not uncommon to see his eyes well up in tears, particularly when it came to his family. 

Rest in peace, Mike. I am proud to have called you a friend. 
Lee M. Zachman

I worked at rms Company with Mike for 6 years.   He was my mentor in that time, teaching me the ropes of working in a contract manufacturing world.   Mike was a good friend and always went out of his way to help.   I'll miss his stories and his great outlook on life.   My condolences to all of Mike's family.   So sorry for your loss.

Brendan

Fly high and rest in peace, Michael! 
You will be remembered as a good friend and wonderful neighbor....

Our hearts are heavy at this time but knowing that I and Mike's brother in law are praying for comfort and peace for Mikes family near and far.  He may not have had the best health recently but he sure had spunk! He never let his health keep him from enjoying life. I'm so proud of him and his family, he was so crazy in love with Joann and all his children and grandchildren. I was happy that he got better acquainted with my children also.  I know Mike is finally at peace, but never forgotten. He had a hard time telling me he loved me, but I knew he did. It always made me laugh how stubborn he could be, but because of that he got more time with us all.

Love Sister, and brother in law 

Funeral Service

Surviving are his Wife, Joanne; Children, Angelique Goodwin, Zackary, Aaron (Sunny), Amanda Bagaus (Jacob); Six Grandchildren; Mother, Naomi and Sister, Teresa Jenkins (Don). 

Preceded in death by Daughter, Lynsee Morgan Potter

OBITUARY

Michael G. Potter

April 22, 1945 – April 28, 2019

Gearhart Anoka Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Funeral Service