Lamphier, Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony Lamphier, 66, hit a grand slam home run and lost the game against cancer on June 27, 2011, where he was surrounded by his fans. He was born Dec. 25, 1944, to Lyle and Janice Lamphier.

Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Friday at St. Jude Catholic Church by the Rev. Mark Reasoner. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, where a vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Survivors include his wife, Carole, of 41 years; daughter, Leslie and son-in-law Todd Harris; two grandsons, Shane (11) and Aidan (7) of Hiawatha; his parents, Lyle and Janice Lamphier of Strawberry Point; two brothers, John (Donna) Lamphier of Marion and Craig (Jarnel) Lamphier of Altoona; four sisters, Judy (Dick) Sandell of Fenton, Mich., Joan (Leo) Steffen of Maynard, Jan (Tim) Byrnes of Ankeny and Jeanette (T.J.) Berninghaus of Atlanta, Ga.; 11 sisters-in-law, 12 brothers-in-law, 17 nieces and 22 nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shane Lamphier; mother-in-law, Julitta Friedman; two sisters-in-law, Ruthie Munsey and Amy Lamphier; a nephew, Kory LaSoya; two nieces, Jamie and Tara Vavra; and stepmother-in-law, Rosemary Friedman.

Michael was an athlete who loved the game of softball and enjoyed the game of golf. He played in the major and minor open fast-pitch softball leagues for over 20 years. Fishing and hunting were his early year past times. He was a member of the Die Hard Cubs fan organization and an avid Hawkeye football fan.

He was a great cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Nobody left his kitchen hungry. His grandsons enjoyed his home-cooked meals, overnight stays and fishing with Grandpa.

Michael was a gifted salesman who worked in the food and beverage and real estate industries. He was grateful for his former boss, Therese, for all the support she provided through the years.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles since the 1970s where he enjoyed the friendship of many who enhanced his day-to-day life.

A special thank you to the coaching staff of physicians, nurses, technicians and clergy who cared for Michael through his last game. Their care and compassion helped prepare him for his final grand slam hit.

A memorial fund has been established.

Please leave a message for the family on the web page  under obituaries.

Michael will be missed by many and will always be remembered for his huge heart and sense of humor. He lived each day of life “for the day.”