Donald Michael McInerney, 74, of Ottumwa, passed away at 9:22 p.m. October 22, 2024 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center with his family by his side.
He was born February 20, 1950 in Ottumwa to Donald R. and Lois L. Saulsbury McInerney. He married Rita “Susan” Beverlin and they later divorced. After being together for 20 years, he married Jane Ann Snook Mundell September 1, 2017.
A resident of Ottumwa, Mike graduated from Walsh Catholic High School in 1968 where he played basketball and baseball. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa before returning to Ottumwa. Mike was a dedicated welder for John Deere Ottumwa Works for 42 years, retiring February 29, 2016. In addition, he partnered with his dad to operate the century family farm.
Mike was a master bowler, achieving multiple perfect 300 games. He was a talented athlete with a competitive spirit and enjoyed slow pitch softball and racquetball, as well as road trips on his Harley with Janie and friends. Volunteering his time and woodworking talents in his garage workshop was a favorite hobby. Mike also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He had a fierce love of family and loved to support his grandkids in their sports and activities.
Mike will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of sugar cookies, and the funny face only he could make that always brought a smile. Mike was a warrior, battling health issues for 12 years until he finally surrendered to his Lord and Savior.
Mike was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and General Shields Council #888 Third Degree Knights of Columbus.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Janie; his daughters, Michelle (Joe) DeGabriele of Cedar Falls and Lisa Jo Kauffold of Ottumwa; step-children, Matt (Julie) Mundell and Melissa (Dan) Palm; grandchildren, Natalie, Luke, Dylan, Dalton, Damion, Clay, Madison, Abigail, Emma, Will and Ben; 5 great-grandchildren, Jace, Macias, Briggs, McKenzie and Milo; sister, Ann Cullinan of Ottumwa; nephew and niece, Chris (Sara) Cullinan of Urbandale and Hollie (Phil) Nord of Johnston. He also leaves behind a loyal group of friends whose support through the years has been priceless.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will open at 10 a.m. Friday, October 25th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 26th at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Mayo Clinic or Davis County Hospital.
