Born on January 15, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa, Michael was a man whose life was defined by a profound work ethic and a deeply caring nature, attributes he developed growing up on his family's farm and his many life experiences. Mike's early life on the farm instilled in him a passion for working with his hands, a trait that saw him embrace hobbies such as woodworking, fishing, and skiing, and skills that he applied in fixing cars/motorcycles, tractors/large farm equipment, and houses/rental buildings and love for tinkering.
His career journey began in the military, serving in the United States Army Security Agency 77th Special Operations Unit in Northern “West Germany”, until returning to Iowa in 1963, a foundational experience that honed his discipline and commitment. While in Germany, Mike married Roswitha "Rosi" Myers. Together, they had two children, Garrett and Tonia. Such as folks do, Mike and Rosi parted ways and remained close friends. Following his military service, he joined the South Slope telephone company in Iowa and later worked for Pacific Bell Telephone in San Diego, California. Eventually, he returned to Iowa to take over the family farm, modernizing it and later transitioning into Real Estate and property management.
Through family, farming, and art, Mike met his wife Marsha. They wed on September 16, 1978 and remained happily so until the day of Mike's passing. Mike and Marsha enjoyed their later years in the scenic central mountains near Salida, Colorado. They built their dream retirement home on the banks of the Arkansas River, near Monarch ski area and they enjoyed many many skiing, hiking and other outdoor adventures with their family. Later, they settled in Fort Collins for Mike's cancer treatments at UCHealth.
Mike's generosity and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was especially known for providing support to friends and family in need. His community activities included singing in the church choir, and volunteering with the church youth group.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha Myers; son, Garrett Myers (Yoko); daughter, Tonia Beard (Joseph); grandchildren, Alex Myers, Hana Jauregui (Odie), Jay Beard, and Maxx Beard; and great-granddaughter, Fernanda Suzume Jauregui. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Norma Myers.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm at MacKenzie Place in Fort Collins, Colorado. A subsequent Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at the First United Methodist Church of North Liberty in Iowa, followed by a light reception and a time of fellowship and remembrance. Mike's ashes will be laid to rest in a private ceremony following his services in Iowa.
Mike's life was a testament to the power of dedication and kindness, leaving an indelible mark on his family and community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Habitat for Humanity, the First Presbyterian Church in Salida, and the First United Methodist Church of North Liberty in Iowa.
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