Michael Martin Phelan, 84, of Ft. Madison, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
“Bubbles,” as he was known to his friends, was born on September 24, 1939, in Ft. Madison, Iowa, to J. Francis and Mildred (Martin) Phelan. Mike was a graduate of the Ft. Madison High School class of 1957, and the University of Iowa class of 1961. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Drake University Law School in 1965, and soon after passed the Iowa Bar Exam. Mike went on to practice law in Lee County as a partner, solo practitioner, and mentor for over 40 years.
Mike was a member of several area organizations. One of his favorites was the Tri-State Rodeo. Over the years, he was proud to serve on several committees, becoming Rodeo Chairman in 1976 and 1977. Mike was an avid golfer, who spent endless hours playing the area courses. He was a member of the golf team during high school and college, as well as a member of the Fort Madison Country Club, and board member for the Sheaffer Golf Course. Mike loved being outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cabin in the Green Bay Bottoms. Mike was married to Sharon (Larsen) Anderson, with whom he had three children. They later divorced.
Survivors include two sons, Dan (Elizabeth) Phelan of Dalton, GA, and Dave (Kathy) Phelan of Waukesha, WI; one daughter, Kelly (Kraig) Snyder of Cedar Rapids, IA; seven grandchildren, Ainsleigh Phelan, Bannon Phelan, Erin Phelan, Michael Phelan, Frankie Sue (T.J.) Rieniets, Austin Snyder, and Jackson Snyder; two great grandchildren, Goldie Rieniets & Rocky Jo Rieniets; two sisters, Patsy Dailey of Kansas City, MO, and Kathleen Kelly of St. Louis, MO. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John F. Phelan Jr.
The funeral mass will be at 10AM Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church, Fort Madison, with the Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life at the Fort Madison Elks Lodge following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Sheaffer Golf Park Community Foundation. Online condolences may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
