Michael Ray Dooley

Michael Ray Dooley

Cedar Rapids

Michael “Mike” R. Dooley, age 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 28, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and committed public servant, he will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, friends and community, along with his perfectly curated humor.

Born on November 10, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Fouts and Charolette Dooley. After graduating from Washington High School (Class 1961, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) he attended the University of Iowa, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Sociology and pursued his Master’s in Criminology.

In 1965, Mike married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Margaret “Maggie” Davis. Together they raised two children, daughter Erinn and son Blake. While Mike dedicated his professional life to public service, working for the State of Iowa for almost 40 years, he dedicated his whole life to his family.

In life Mike enjoyed everything about baseball (Go Cubs!), college football (Go Hawkeyes!), fishing, motorcycle riding, coffee with the guys in the morning to solve the world’s problems, an heirloom Brandywine tomato, Iowa sweet corn, a lard crust pie, a chocolate frosty, and crossword puzzles. He was a voracious reader and was always up for a spirited debate or philosophical discussion. His sense of humor, both a blessing and a curse, has been passed down through the generations. It’s a trait that helps us navigate our grief and loss of him…a look, an inside joke, a memorable exchange, or an uncontrollable belly laugh. If you grew up with, or interacted in any way with the Dooley household, you have a story to tell about Mike. If you know, you know.

In retirement, he volunteered for ten years with his four-legged best friend and certified therapy dog Tucker, where together they continued to serve the community he pledged to protect. Mike is survived by his wife of 60 years, (Maggie); his children, Erinn, Blake (wife Cammy), and 5 grandchildren Gavin (Ashtyn), Logan, Riley, Brody and Ian. He was preceded in death by his parents Fouts and Charolette Dooley, grandparents, aunts, uncles and various cousins.

Calling I45, calling Officer Dooley…all units be advised, Officer Mike Dooley served his community and country with pride, excellence, honor, and bravery. Officer Dooley, you are clear and out of service. Rest easy. We have the watch from here.

The family invites friends and colleagues to a family visitation to celebrate his life on Friday, October 31, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Pet Pals online at: https://give.unitypoint.org/give/574454/#!/donation

/checkout (select other and note Pet Therapy) or by check to St. Luke’s Foundation Pet Therapy and Mercy Medical Center Palliative Care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.