Fitzharris, MIchael Jay

Michael Jay Fitzharris, 72, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sept. 27, 2012, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. A funeral mass will be held Monday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2310 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. The Rev. David Beckman will officiate. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, 4200 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

A loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Michael will be remembered for his warm smile and friendly, outgoing nature.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Anne; four sons, Jay (Tanya) of Prairie Village, Kan., Robb (Michele) of Coralville, Greg (Amy) of Marietta, Ga., and Ryan (Ashley) of Tucson, Ariz.; sisters, Ruth Frauman of Garden Grove, Calif., and Betty Carnes of Dalton, Mass.; grandchildren, Cole, Jack, Courtney, Cope, Will and Declan Fitzharris and Megan (Jamie) Pretty of Fort Riley, Kan.; great-grandson, William Pretty; and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the country. Reflecting the positive impact he had on those close to him, many, including friends and co-workers, simply referred to Michael as “Uncle Mike.”

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline (Kirchenbauer) and Joseph Fitzharris; two brothers, Max, in infancy, and Thomas; and a sister, Rosemary Knuchel.

Michael was born May 5, 1940, in Richmond, Ind. He graduated from Richmond High School and attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. He married his high school sweetheart, Dessolyn Anne Daugherty, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Richmond on Feb. 17, 1962.

As a member of the insurance industry, Michael earned the American College distinctions of CLU and CHFC. He retired in 2005 as assistant vice president and director of sales for National Guardian Life Insurance Co.

During his life Michael was involved in numerous civic and community organizations, deriving the most pleasure from those activities that involved his four sons. He served many years as scoutmaster of Troop 766. A longtime Kennedy High School sports fan and volunteer, he announced the home wrestling meets for nine years. Michael served as president of the Kennedy Wrestling Booster Club and was inducted into the Kennedy Athletic Hall of Fame as a booster. Most recently, he enjoyed his weekly visits as a member of the Friday morning coffee group known as the Liars Club.

As an avid golfer, Michael jumped at the opportunity to play with friends or family and played countless rounds over the years with his brother-in-law, Mike Murphy. Also a devoted Hawkeye fan, Michael loved taking in Iowa games with his sons and grandchildren. Above all else, Michael enjoyed family and the precious time spent with his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ghosh and all his staff for their kind and compassionate care, especially Laurie, Lynette, Jackie, Carol, Jamie and Mindy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Anna Purna Ghosh Foundation, P.O. Box 1248, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-1248; the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, c/o Mercy Foundation, 701 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; or St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2310 First Ave. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Online condolences may be made at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published Sept. 29, 2012 in the Gazette