Memorial

Michael (Mike) Lawrence Duggan, 73, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at his home.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.  The visitation will be held prior to the service, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. 

Mike was born on January 08, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the son of Larry and Doreen (O’Brien) Duggan.  He was a successful business owner, proudly displaying the Amoco sign on his gas and service stations in Cedar Rapids for 25 years until his retirement. 

Mike was many things to many people. He was primarily, a father, a role he proudly held.  The next best role was that of grandfather to four amazing grandchildren and most recently being a great grandfather.   As a father, he wanted to be sure that he was able to provide opportunities and experiences for his sons and teach them the value of hard work. According to Mike, a floor was never to clean or a customer to happy when it came to his service stations.  If there was “time for leaning, there’s time for cleaning”.  Beyond building work ethic, fun was a priority with annual family trips.  Including Wednesdays all summer long spent at the lake and many memories shared with the Mersch family.

As a grandfather, he would get a last-minute call to pick up his grandchild from school or day care. He would excitedly run to pick them up and spend the afternoon with them, usually treating them to a McDonalds hamburger with French fries.  It was not unusual for his grandchildren to ride on the back of his wheelchair or crawl on his lap for a drive around the house.  He was there for games or dance recitals and would never miss a birthday or celebration.  His children and grandchildren brought an instant smile to his face and pride in his words when speaking of them.  

He enjoyed his summers at Lake Delhi since 1985. The cabin for Mike was a place of joy, fun and adventure along with excitement of the stories and memories made by his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews spending time at the lake.   Everyone had an open invitation to the cabin and through his retirement years, he enjoyed spending time with his class of ‘67, the Leidigh’s, and Gilliatt’s, toasting to their everlasting friendships, and reliving old stories of which may have grown throughout the years.  

Mike met Jackie Smith through a mutual friend Kelley Kascel who for Mike was more than a friend, he would often say he was like a son. Both Jackie and Mike remained grateful well into their almost 17-years of marriage, beginning on May 13, 2005.  Jackie was Mike’s person, and he was hers in return. Their love was endearing, passionate, and unconditional. When they locked eyes, they knew what the other was thinking. Although as a couple they may have had their differences in political views, music, and other interests, they were always on the same page when it came to family, friends, and accepting people as they are. 

Mike will be remembered for his unique charm, making friends instantly, his eagerness to greet you with a cold drink and a story, quick wit, wise words, and a sense that when you walked away, with confidence that the world would be alright. 

He is survived by his wife Jackie, who cannot imagine the world without his smile, humor, and kindness, and who will never turn on Fox News for the rest of her life.   His family, who will carry his legacy forward, sons and daughters-in-law’s, who were more like daughters, Mark (Amy) Duggan and Corey (Cherie) Duggan. His grandchildren, who he loved unconditionally, Colby (Tosha) Duggan, Riley (Alex) Boomershine, Josh Duggan, and Mallory Duggan. One great grandchild, Deliah Duggan and one more on the way this fall.  He is survived by one sister, Marjorie Geers and many nieces and nephews in the Steger, Geers, Mersch and Smith families; and long-time friend, Duane Miller, who was not only a trusted friend, but one that helped him on many handyman adventures and margaritas.  

He is preceded by his parents, Doreen and Larry Duggan, his parents-in-law Kenny and Cathy Smith and one brother-in-law Jerry Geers. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.