Michael A. Gleeson

Michael A. Gleeson, 60, of LeClaire, Iowa, died Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at Trinity at Terrace Park, Bettendorf.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Unitarian Church, 3707 Eastern Ave., Davenport. Immediately following the service, there will be a luncheon at the church. Memorials may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mike was born on Feb. 6, 1948 in Chicago, Ill., the son of Murray & Elizabeth (Richards) Gleeson. He was united in marriage to Pat Deere, on Nov. 3, 1990 in Bettendorf. The two took many cross-country adventures together.

His big heart came in handy as he worked as a school social worker for the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative in Illinois, as well as being president and negotiator for the Bi-County Special Education Association. He was a member of the Democratic Party and associated groups. He also was a member of the National Education Association.

Mike looked on the bright side of life and tried to make every day fun and meaningful. He was caring, young at heart, and witty. He loved life, people, and a good laugh. His artfully-told stories were always in demand.

Some of Mike's happiest times were spent doing creative things around the house: creating unique lawn ornaments, including windmills, woodworking, and fixing up cars. He also loved playing guitar, video games, boating, and all the pets the family had through the years.

Two of his favorite sayings were, “These are the good ol’ days”, and "Today you are as young as you will ever be, so enjoy."

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Pat; his five daughters and their spouses: Jessica and Jeff Holst, of Dubuque, Iowa; Kristina and Yimi Andino, of Iowa City, Iowa, and Jessica and Tina's mother Martha Farber; Heather and Cliff Hall, of Denver, Colorado; Allison and John Hilkin, of Iowa City; and Lindsay Deere, of Iowa City; his grandchildren, Cale and Luke Hall, and Parker Holst; his brother-in-law and spouse, Stan and Gillian Eyres, of Muskat, Oman; and close family friend, Jean Deere, of Bettendorf.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Michael’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.