Gregory, Michael R. 1950-2009

GREGORY, CRIDER, TOMPKINS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 3/19/2014 at 18:40:31

The Poweshiek County CR
Jan. 21, 2009

MICHAEL R. GREGORY, 58

Michael R. Gregory, 58, died on Sunday, Jan. 11, following a six-year battle with liver cancer. His warm smile, bright eyes, and caring and compassion for others, all of which remained during the progression of his illness, will be remembered by many.

Memorial services will be held at the Montezuma United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, where the family will be present to greet visitors one half hour prior to the service. A memorial service will also be held at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m.

Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines is in charge of arrangements.

At his request, the body was cremated. Michael was a member of both Montezuma United Methodist Church and Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines.

Michael was born on July 5, 1950, the second of six children to Shirley and Raymond Gregory in Montezuma. He was a 1968 graduate of Montezuma High School and an Army veteran of the Vietnam era. Michael resided briefly in Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City before moving to Des Moines in 1979. He had worked at Wells Fargo Real Estate Tax Service since 1998 preceded by employment at Business Publications Inc. and United Federal Savings Bank. Michael had also worked part-time for 20 years at the Walgreen's store on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines.

Michael always had many "projects" going and dearly loved his home in Beaverdale, flower gardening, and traveling. He was an excellent cook, having learned that skill form his mother and grandmother that were school cooks.

Michael is survived by his sister Cyndy (Dale) Crider of Wilmette, Ill., and by brothers Tom (Deb) of Montezuma, Fred (Jennifer) of Rembert, S.C., Chris of Waterloo, Jeff of Urbandale, and several nieces and nephews. Michael will also be fondly remembered by his partner of 27 years, John Tompkins, of Des Moines, and his two Siamese cats.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either church.