Michael Everette Gray

Michael E. Gray, age 72, passed away peacefully at Prairie Gate on April 5, 2026.

He was born January 24, 1954, in Denison, Iowa, to Cyril and Patsy (Stewart) Gray. Michael spent his early years in Dow City before moving to Dunlap, where he graduated with the Class of 1972.

Michael began his career at Tommy Lift Gate in Woodbine and later worked for 15 years at Farmland Foods in Denison. In 1991, he started his own auto interior repair business before transitioning into auto exterior touch-up work as a skilled auto body refinish technician. That same year, he moved with his family to an acreage outside of Minden, where he embraced the lifestyle, he loved. He retired in the summer of 2024.

Michael married the love of his life, Joyce, and together they shared 49 years of marriage. They were blessed with two children, Michaela and Shawn, who were the center of his world.

He enjoyed the outdoors-fishing, hunting, golfing, and spending time along the Platte River with friends. He also loved traveling, especially trips to Cozumel and cruises with family. Holidays and gatherings meant everything to him.

Michael was known as a great storyteller who could talk to anyone and make them feel like a friend. He had a love for animals, especially his Rottweilers, Roxie and Maggie, and was also an avid lifelong video gamer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Charles and Dean Gray.

Michael is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter and son-in-law, Michaela and Patrick Laird; son, Shawn; siblings, Cyrila Roberts (Ron), David Gray, Patty Jo Oliver (Bill), Kevin Gray (Carmen), and Damon Gray (Kim); along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Michael will be remembered for his kindness, his stories, and the love he shared with everyone around him.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 07, 2026. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Interment is in the Minden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorials in Michael's honor. One suggestion is the Midlands Humane Society - https://midlandshumanesociety.org/ways-to-give/donate-now.html