Fox, Gary 'Mike'

Gary “Mike” Fox, 59, of Denver, Colo., formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, from a sudden illness. Services: 11 a.m. Monday at Teahen Funeral Home by Pastor  Brenda Peconge. Friends may visit Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. and again Monday after 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Military honors presented by American Legion Honor Guard.

He is survived by two daughters, Stacie Fox of Denver, Colo., and Amy (J.C.) Fox Williams, and son, Tony Fox, both of Colorado Springs, Colo. He shared his four grandchildren with Jeanie who happen to be the best looking kids west of the Mississippi: Tyler, Ally, Gracie and Jayce and he attempted to teach them all how to play football, basketball, golf, baseball, and give them an endless supply of his “red candy.”

Mike is also survived by a sister, Gloria (Gary) Strauss of Fairfax; a brother, Glen (Sue) Fox of Phoenix, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gladys Becker Fox; and a very special niece, Kelly Fox.

Mike was born Dec. 4, 1950, in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from La Salle High School in 1969. He joined the Air Force, serving for two years and was honorably discharged in 1972. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeanie Schuler, at St. Jude's Church on Dec. 18, 1971.

Mike was very well known for his sense of humor and practical jokes to the point of being asked in high school if he was going to “laugh his way through life.” Everyone who knew him knows the answer, “ yes.” He did and was quite successful at it. He was very much a “people person” and this helped him achieve at Apache Hose and Belting Co., Cedar Rapids, and at a branch in Elmhurst, Ill., for over 25 years.

He enjoyed winning or cheating in golf whenever he could, and spent what time he could with his grandkids. His smile, charm, and mere presence will be dearly missed.

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Memorials may be directed to the family.