MACK, Michael John 1925-2016

MACK, KELLY

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 2/8/2016 at 18:59:06

Michael John Mack, Sr.

July 3, 1925 - February 7, 2016

Michael John Mack, Sr., 90, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Waterloo, Iowa, with burial next to his beloved Charlotte to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service 300 West Ridgeway, Waterloo with a vigil service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Mike, son of Thomas Edward and Elizabeth Kelly Mack, was born July 3, 1925 in Viola, Illinois. Mike grew up on his family’s farm that was first settled by his Irish ancestors in the mid 1800s. His education began in a one room schoolhouse – an experience he always treasured. As a member of the U.S. Navy’s V12 program, he attended University of Notre Dame and graduated cum laude with a B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering. During World War II, he was an instructor in aircraft engine theory for the Navy.

After the war, Mike received a M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa and began working at John Deere Dubuque Works. It was there that he met the love of his life, and wife of 64 years, Charlotte. After their early years in Dubuque, Mike, Charlotte, and their young family moved to Waterloo in 1956, where they became active members of the Waterloo community.

As a young engineer at the John Deere Product Engineering Center, Mike was recognized for his expertise in drive trains, and this resulted in many patents throughout the years. He had a long and successful career with John Deere, spanning over forty years, which culminated in leading a global engineering group that designed the world’s finest tractors.

Mike was active on many boards and organizations – often serving as chairman. Some of these organizations include; People’s Bank & Trust Company, Covenant Medical Center, Wheaton Franciscan Health Services, St. Edward Church and the Iowa State University Mechanical Engineering Industrial Advisory Council. Mike was past president of the Coordinating Research Council, which provides guidance to coordinated research activities in the automotive and petroleum industries. He also received the distinction of being elected a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers and chaired their Fellow Committee.

Mike was particularly proud of his rural background and his Irish roots. While he was blessed with a keen mind and powerful analytical skills, it was the simple things that brought him the most joy and satisfaction. To Mike, nothing compared to eating peanuts with a drink in hand, surrounded by the laughter of his family. This, of course, was even better if there was a Notre Dame football game on TV.

Mike was a devoted husband and father who, in his later years, was Charlotte’s loving caregiver. When his own health became a challenge, he taught us the virtues of strength, resilience, and ultimately acceptance. Mike had a quick wit, and was a man of unwavering moral fiber and deep faith. He prepared for his passing every day of his 90 years because he knew, someday, he would be rewarded by seeing the face of God.

Mike is survived by his eight children; Kathleen (Dale) Wolf of Ottawa, IL, Carol (William) Manzel of Dubuque, IA, Patrick (Sara) Mack of Des Moines, IA, Michele (William) Haefele of Overland Park, KS, Michael J. Mack, Jr. (Denise) of Bettendorf, IA, Marybeth Mack of Olathe, KS, Christine Mack (Marcia Witt) of St. Paul, MN, and Timothy (Kris) Mack of Waterloo, IA. He was also blessed with sixteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Mike is also survived by his sister, Gertrude Mack of Chicago, IL, brother, Otis Mack of Rock Island, IL, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Charlotte, and brother, Donald.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the caretakers from Home Instead and Western Homes who provided exceptional care for Mike.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice in Mike’s honor.

Source: Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Home

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