Michael E. Moore, age 77, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. He was born to the late Earl and Wanda (Michels) Moore on December 26, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and was the big brother of Kate. Mike grew up in Cedar Rapids and rural Mt. Vernon where he attended Mt. Vernon High School, excelling in football, wrestling, and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Mankato State University and earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He greatly valued the pursuit of knowledge and passed his love of learning on to his children and grandchildren.
On December 28, 1968 he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Moore (Richardson). They shared 43 years together before kindly allowing the other to find joy in love once again. They taught their children and grandchildren that sometimes love means letting go and that wishing the other true happiness is the greatest gift you can give.
Mike pursued many professional endeavors throughout his lifetime, including working construction as a young man, agricultural sales, and ownership of a small business. However, it was his time as a social studies teacher and football/wrestling coach at Dike High School (Iowa) that fulfilled him the most professionally. As head wrestling coach at Dike, he produced tough wrestlers, many state qualifiers and place-winners, and one individual state champion.
He felt there were few problems in the world that a good cross-face cradle couldn’t solve. He loved the outdoors and people, longing to connect with both. Family camping trips with regular excursions into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with family, friends, and his wrestlers were valued opportunities to do just that.
He loved history and shared it through reenacting the events and culture of the French and Indian War and early American explorers. Mike loved to set off on long road trips on his BMW motorcycle, smoke cigars, and play checkers with his best friend, Rick. He loved to talk about his grandchildren and children always wanting them to know just how proud he truly was of them.
On November 28, 2015, Mike married his Annie (Ann Marie) at a small service in Cedar Rapids, IA. Friends for more than twenty years, they became the greatest of companions talking politics and history all while weathering the storm of Mike’s recovery from a major stroke.
Ann Marie, born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, attempted to teach him French. Mike spoke it whenever and wherever he could despite the fact that most of the time it was anything but French. Ann Marie would simply roll her eyes and chuckle and leave it at that. Mike dreamed of visiting Nova Scotia and riding the train across the entire country of Canada. He wanted to show his children and grandchildren the beauty of the land and tell them the stories that lived in his heart.
Michael is survived by his children: Sean (Jan) Moore, Kendra (Michael) Schmidt and step-son Robert (Julie) Coutinho; his grandchildren: Sam and Anna Moore and Brady and Grant Schmidt; his sister Kate (Keith) Shelton; first wife Linda Moore; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Anne Marie Moore and both of his parents.
Our family would like to thank Jennifer Guerrero for her wonderful work as Mike’s caretaker; Nicolle Girard for providing him with friendship and companionship; and Compassus Hospice for their care in Mike’s final months. You all gave our family comfort and a chance to catch our breath. We are incredibly grateful.
Per the family’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.