Memorial
Michael “Mike” O. Easley, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with his loving family by his side at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.
Mike was born on January 14, 1954, in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Charles and Juanita (Pruitt) Easley. He grew up in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business.
On October 30, 1982, Mike married the love of his life, Denise (Nelson), in Des Moines, Iowa. Together, they shared nearly 44 years filled with love, companionship, and countless memories. Mike and Denise enjoyed traveling together, especially cruising. Their final cruise together was to Alaska in May, one of Mike’s favorite places.
Following college, Mike began his career with ServiceMaster. His work with the company brought him to Iowa and eventually to St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids in 1982. In 1996, he became part of the St. Luke’s management team and ultimately served as Administrative Director of Facility Planning and Operations until his retirement in 2019. During his many years at St. Luke’s, Mike played an important role in countless projects throughout the hospital and greater Cedar Rapids community. Among those closest to his heart was the inpatient hospice unit, where he would spend his final hours. He was also instrumental in advancing the MedQuarter in Cedar Rapids alongside his dear friend, Doug Laird.
Retirement did not slow Mike down when it came to serving others. He volunteered as an insurance counselor with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), helping others navigate their health insurance needs. His dedication to volunteer service was recognized with the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 2026. Mike also believed deeply in giving back to his community and was a longtime supporter of the St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation.
Mike developed a lifelong love of the outdoors through his early involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, where he proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He especially enjoyed camping with his brother, Ted. Mike also had a deep love of football. He played in both high school and college and remained a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Bears.
Above all else, Mike treasured his family. He was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who was always there when he was needed. He helped his children with countless household projects, loved and cared for the family dogs, and showed up for every important moment—and all the little moments in between. His generosity, dependability, humor, and love for his family will be deeply missed.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Denise Easley of Cedar Rapids; his children, Kelli (Chris) Africh of Cedar Rapids and Kyle (Jenny) Easley of Solon; his grandchildren, Oliver and Evan Africh, RJ, Jude, and Silas Smalley, and Charlie and Georgie Easley; and his brother, Ted (Barbara) Easley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Easley (1991) and Juanita Easley (1988); his parents-in-law, Luther Nelson (2011) and Karen Nelson (2019); and his sister, Michele “Mikie” Sue Easley (1950).
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Gustavo Godoy, Dr. Kailin Yang, Dr. Saul Wilson, and the entire oncology and neurosurgery teams at the University of Iowa for their exceptional care, compassion, and support following Mike’s diagnosis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Research Organization, to help advance the treatment of glioblastoma: https://www.gbmresearch.org/donate or to the St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation, which supports St. Luke’s Hospice: https://www.unitypoint.org/giving/st-lukes-health-care-foundation-cedar-rapids.
Mike’s greatest legacy will not be found in the many projects he completed or awards he received, but in the people, he loved the lives he touched, and the countless ways he showed up for those around him. He will be remembered, loved, and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.