03/18/2016
Michael Byrne Horan, 64, of Ottumwa passed away March 18, 2016 at his home.
He was born February 24, 1952 in Knoxville, IA to James and Carey Hammond Horan. He married Joyce Garber July 11, 1976.
Michael attended St. Peters Catholic School, St. Albert’s High School and Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, IA. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1970. He received his degree from Indian Hills Community College and Buena Vista University.
Michael started his career as a youth counselor at Hickory Knoll in Bloomfield. He worked for over twenty years at Indian Hills Community College in the Horticulture Department. During that time he traveled with a group to Oklahoma City to plant trees for the bombing memorial. He also received the Governors Award for Volunteerism for his work with the Iowa Youth Corp.
Michael was a passionate musician and played in various groups starting as a teenager. Most recently, he played with a group who performed at local nursing homes.
Michael enjoyed fishing, horticulture, taking care of his animals and spending time with family and friends. Michael had a wicked sense of humor and was happiest making people laugh.
Surviving is his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Maggie Horan of Ottumwa; his godson, Mike Simmons of Ottumwa; two grandchildren, Journey Simmons and Mikey Simmons; siblings, Molly (Jim) Cummings, Bridget Pospisal and Meg Horan all of Council Bluffs; John (Cheryl) Horan of Surprise, AZ and Martha (Mike) Franklin of Salem, OR; many nieces, nephews and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Gladys and Elmer Hammond and Carl and Lenett Horan.
His body has been cremated.
Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Cy McMahon officiating.
Visitation with the family present will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Memorials may be made to the family.