Michael Dean Motske

Michael Dean Motske, 60, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of St. Joseph, Mo., passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories in Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his loving wife of 33 years, Carol; daughter, Laura Motske, Lake Charles, La.; son, Paul Motske, Kansas City, Mo.; brothers, Steve (Mary) Motske, Huntington Beach, Calif., Richard (Karen) Motske, Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Kevin Motske, St. Charles, Minn.; and sister, Diedre (Richard) Nienow, St. Charles, Minn.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Elsie (Waechter) Motske.

Michael Dean Motske was born May 18, 1952, in Winona, Minn., to Ralph and Elsie (Waechter) Motske. Mike married Carol Dahlberg on Aug. 25, 1979, in Mahtomedi, Minn. After graduating from high school in St. Charles, Minn., he served as a corpsman in the Navy for four years. He graduated from Winona State University in 1978. In 1988, he moved to St. Joseph, Mo., to work for Weyerhauser Paper Co. as a plant controller. In 2009, he moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to work for International Paper as an area complex controller.

Mike was a caring and compassionate man who always cherished quality time with his family and friends. He was a talented golfer, card player and music enthusiast. Mike enjoyed volunteering for his church and took pleasure hosting social gatherings at home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The American Diabetes Association.

Please leave a message or tribute to Michael’s family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published Dec. 26, 2012 in The Gazette