Michael Elleson

MICHAEL EDWARD ELLESON

Iowa City

Michael Edward Elleson, 26, was born to David and Judy Elleson on July 5, 1990, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. He passed away at Genesis East Medical Center in Davenport on Nov. 10,

2016, after being hit by a car while crossing a street. As

an organ donor, Michael gave

the gift of life to four organ recipients and their families.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City, with the Very Rev. Rudolph Juarez officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home, where a rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m., and on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

Michael attended Regina Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Iowa City West High School in 2009. He graduated from LaJames School of Cosmetology in November 2015. At the time of his death, Michael was making plans to move to St. Louis to begin his career as a hair stylist.

Michael loved his family, especially his brother, Tom, his cat, music, dancing, band T-shirts, and his many friends. He lived life to the fullest in his unique, individual way, and it was this aspect of him that his friends cherished.

He was polite, kind, compassionate and always ready to provide his support to any friend in need. He believed strongly in a person's right to individuality and to never let others cloud that perspective.

Michael's dearest friend, Chuck, and others organized a memorial at the Blue Moose in Iowa City Saturday evening. It was this place that Michael loved to go to listen and dance to music. These friends gathered to share memories of Michael and to celebrate a life lived to the fullest.

Michael is survived by his parents, David and Judy (Kappmeyer) Elleson of St. Louis; as well as his younger brother, Thomas John Elleson of Iowa City. Also surviving Michael are grandparents Frank and Teresa Kappmeyer of Oelwein; and longtime friend, Matthew "Chuck" McLaughlin of Iowa City. He also will be remembered by many aunts and uncles: Dr. Dale and Susan Elleson of Henderson, Nev., Cheryl (Elleson) and Dr. Steven Schurtz of Mason City, Denise (Elleson) Waters of Daphne, Ala., Dennis Elleson of Portland, Ore., Robin (Kappmeyer) and Randy Pfiester of Oelwein, Eric and Debra Kappmeyer of LaCrosse, Wis., and Andrew Kappmeyer of LaCrosse, Wis. Michael also has many cousins from the Elleson and Kappmeyer families: Chad Elleson, Ryan Elleson, Stuart Schurtz, Elleson Schurtz, J.J. (Waters) Roberts, Brandy (Waters) Stinson, Casey (Waters) Farr, Jessie (Waters) Hawkins, Luke Waters, Ryan Kappmeyer, Autumn (Kappmeyer) Eiklenborg, Jared Kappmeyer, Allison Kappmeyer and Kelly Kappmeyer.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gordon and Dolores Elleson of Clinton; uncle, Gene Waters of Daphne; and aunt, Roberta Elleson of Portland, Ore.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Iowa Donors Network at www.iowadonornetwork.org/get-involved/make-a-contribution.