Michael Valant

MICHAEL VALANT

Cedar Rapids

Michael "Mike" Valant, 69, passed away at Cottage Grove Place, Cedar Rapids, on Monday, March 17, 2014. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, Cedar Rapids, by Father Christopher

Podhajsky, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19. The family will greet friends one hour before the Mass at the church on Wednesday. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion.

Mike was born to Virginia and Francis Valant on March 22, 1944, in Prairie du Chien, Wis., and lived there with his family until moving to Cedar Rapids when he was seven years old. He was a graduate of Regis High School class of 1962. It was while he was at Regis that he met his future wife, Beverlee "Bev" English. They were united in marriage on April 24, 1965.

Mike began his "career" as an apprentice pipe insulator for Taylor Insulation in 1965. He eventually became part owner and good friends with John Nelson, Gary White and Bob "Cappy" Cappurla (deceased). He loved his work, with many of his customers becoming lifelong friends. He retired from Taylor Insulation in May 2005.

Mike was faith-filled, kind, generous to a fault and a bit of a rascal. He had a wonderful and contagious sense of humor. His family was so important to him, taking special pride in each and every one of his grandchildren. He was also very proud of being one of the original "Zach Pack" and enjoyed watching Zach play as long as he was able.

A very best day for Mike would be a round of golf with friends, a good cigar, followed by a beer (or two). Those who knew Mike will remember the bus trips, the softball team, his annual golf tournament, and of course the famous green bath tub that would show up at every St. Patrick's Day parade.

Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bev; three daughters, Tracie (Matt) Chute, Amy (Doug) Andersen and Kristin (David) Scott; six grandchildren, Austin and Hannah Chute, Katlyn and McKenna Andersen and Christian and Owen Scott; brother, Patrick Valant; sisters, Mary (Dean) Havel, Rita (Dave, deceased) Rummels and Nancy (Steve) Hess; brother-in-law, David (Mary, deceased) English; sister-in-law, Karon (Mark English, deceased) Warner; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Bill Fletcher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Virginia Valant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Mercy, the Alzheimer's Association for Research or Immaculate Conception Parish in Cedar Rapids.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff in the Gardens at Cottage Grove Place, and to Penny, Cindy and Bill from Hospice of Mercy for taking such loving care of Mike. And to Mike, from me… Thanks for the memories.

Please sign the online guest book for Mike at www.murdochfuneral home.com under obit- uaries.