Michael Cooney

Michael Cooney, age 65, passed away on October 9, 2026.

Mike was born in Missouri Valley IA on July 14, 1961, to Curtis and Ruth (Cline) Cooney. He was the oldest of five children. He was blessed with four beautiful, intelligent, and kind, younger sisters.

Mike enjoyed the outdoors from an early age, spending much of his youth hunting and trapping with his father and fishing with his grandfather. His father also taught him to work on cars, sparking a lifelong passion for Mopar muscle cars, of which he owned many over the years.

Mike was active in sports throughout his youth, participating in baseball, track, football, and boxing. He earned All-Conference honors in football and was named his team's MVP during his senior year. He also won a silver medal in the 1977 Silver Gloves boxing tournament and earned a black belt after eight years of studying Shotokan karate.

Mike graduated from Tri-Center High School in 1979. Following graduation, he spent ten months working in a meatpacking plant, an experience that taught him some of his most valuable life lessons. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Bellevue University in 2000.

In 1980, Mike joined the United States Air Force as a mainframe computer operator before transitioning into computer programming. He proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring in 2000 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He continued working for another 24 years, first as a contractor and later as a government civilian within the same organization. Mike took great pride in his work, the people he served alongside, and his country.

Mike married Crystal Atwood in 1980, and together they welcomed three sons: Sean, Jake, and Adam. His sons meant the world to him. He was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, whom he adored. He especially enjoyed spending time with them and attending their school activities and sporting events. One of his greatest regrets was knowing he would not be able to watch them grow up.

Throughout his life, Mike considered his mother, Ruth, his greatest hero. He cherished their close relationship and often described her as his rock and guiding light.

Mike was preceded in death by Ralph, Hazel, Wray, Marie, and his father, Curtis Cooney.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth Cooney; his four sisters; his former wife, Crystal Atwood; his sons, Sean, Jake, and Adam; and his six grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. The family will direct memorials.