Obituary for R. Michael Ford

R. Michael (Mike) Ford, 83, of Cedar Rapids, died March 10, 2006 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics following a brief illness. Funeral Mass Tuesday 10:30 AM at All Saints Catholic Church by Father David O’ Connor. Friends may call starting at 9:30 AM Tuesday at All Saints. Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Eastern Central and Western Iowa. Survivors include his loving wife Mary; sons Michael L. Ford, Dennis (Marsha) Ford; daughters Julie (Bill) Fowler, Ann (Lee) Bauer; grandsons Adam and Ben Ford, and Christopher Bauer all of Cedar Rapids. Surviving also is a sister Betty Lamb of Anderson, SC. Robert was preceded in death by his parents. R. Michael (Mike) Ford was born November 16, 1922 the beloved son of Leo and Kathleen (Hutchinson) Ford in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Franklin High School and then went on to St. Ambrose College in Davenport. He was a pilot in the US Navy serving his country honorably during WWII. He married Mary Stenner on October 25, 1946 at St. Mathews Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He was employed as a Realtor for Byers and Happel Realty for 30 years. He was a charter member of All Saints Catholic Church, as well as a charter member and past president of the Cedar Rapids Exchange Club. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of American Legion Hanford Post # 5. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed old cars, jigsaw puzzles and boating. He also loved spending time at his cottage with his family at Lake Okoboji. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to All Saints Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America, or to The Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum.