Michael Joseph Scanlon, 72, of rural Oskaloosa, died Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born August 30, 1953, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Agnes Patik Scanlon. He attended Oskaloosa Schools. On July 14, 1973, he was united in marriage to Donna Jo Gordon at the Union Mills Christian Church. Early on Mike started farming the family farm as well as other farms in the neighborhood. In addition to farming, he worked as a mechanic first at Van Gorp John Deere and later for Drost Equipment. In 1980, he retired from turning wrenches and went to work farming full time. Mike loved the farm and always looked forward to bailing hay for himself and others in the neighborhood. He enjoyed going to auctions and sales and finding a good bargain, especially if it was a piece of equipment or a toy tractor. He has an extensive toy tractor collection that he was always looking to expand. Mike loved every aspect of agriculture and enjoyed sharing his love with his children and grandchildren. He especially looked forward to his grandchildren coming to visit and help around the farm.
Mike was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was active with the Knights of Columbus.
His family includes his wife of over 52 years, Donna Jo Scanlon of rural Oskaloosa; three children, Paul Scanlon and Matt Scanlon both of rural Oskaloosa, and Valerie (Zach Beltz) Edel of University Park; six grandchildren, MaKayla (James) Stittsworth, MaKenzie (Ethan) Peterson, Cole (Kalene) Scanlon, Braden Edel, Jenna Edel, and Carter Scanlon; five great grandchildren, Charlotte, Gracelynn, Alaina Stittsworth; and Rhett and Oaklyn Peterson; a brother, Pat Scanlon of Oskaloosa; a sister, Anne Marie Mueller of Lincoln City, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Joseph Phung officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Friday, April 17, 2026, after 10:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa. The family invites those who would like to pray the Rosary with them to come to the funeral home at 5:30 on Friday evening. The family will be at the funeral chapel Friday evening until 8:00 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
