Michael Robert Martin

MICHAEL ROBERT MARTIN

Cedar Rapids

Michael Robert Martin, 65, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022, from a heart attack. A private family celebration of life was held on May 7 at the Monarch Research Station. Mike was born on Sept. 9,1956, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Robert and Bernice (Bradley) Martin.

Mike graduated from North Tama High School in 1974. He attended Kirkwood Community College. Mike was an original member of the Coralville Ski Team and was a Black Belt in Taekwondo.

Mike started in sales with TLS, then was District Manager for Hardees and Ryan’s Steakhouses in a variety of states. He pursued his passion for art and landscaping by going back to college to get his Horticulture Science degree. He worked for UNI, then Kirkwood, in their Facilities Department. He drove the bus and kept game books for the girls’ basketball team. He enjoyed getting to know the teams and cheered them on to multiple championship seasons.

Mike was a motivating coach for several years at C Street Farrell’s.

In retirement, Mike worked at the Monarch Research Station and was a Linn County Master Gardener. He was passionate about restoring native habitat and saving monarchs.

Whatever you needed, Mike was ALWAYS there giving you or your kids a ride, coaching, helping with projects, taking care of your pets or kids while you are away, an ear to listen. His infectious smile and laugh, kindness, and friendship will be missed by many.

Survivors include his father, Robert Martin of Traer, Iowa; sisters, Valerie (Mark Pokorny) Suchomel of Clutier, Iowa, Kim (Jim) Thede of Fairfax, Iowa, and Julie (Doug) Steffeny of Blue Springs, Mo.; nieces and nephews, Brooke (Brent) Suchomel, Nate Suchomel, Jessica Thede, Breanne Thede, Devyn Steffeny, Dain Steffeny, Dayton Steffeny, Justin Steffeny and Jaxtin Steffeny; great-nephew, Kipton Hanlon; and special close friends, Coach Kim and Freeda Muhl. Preceding him in death are his mother, Bernice (Bradley) Martin; and grandparents, Kenneth and Edna Bradley and Joseph and Marcella Martin.

Memorials can be directed to: Mike Martin Memorial, Monarch Research Station, 4970 Lakeside Rd, Marion, IA 52302; or Kirkwood Foundation - Michael Martin (Girls’ Basketball/Horticulture Science), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.