Michael Dwyer

Michael E. Dwyer, 71, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, left this life Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born June 5, 1949, to Dale and Ruth (Queck) Dwyer at Fontanelle, and was raised on a farm in Richland Township.

Mike grew up attending Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle, where he was baptized July 11, 1949, and confirmed on Palm Sunday, April 7, 1963. He was active in various congregations over his life, serving as a youth group leader (along with Linda), as a congregational officer, and later as a trained Stephen Minister at Bella Vista Lutheran Church.

Mike attended Richland, Zion and Orient-Macksburg schools, graduating in 1967.

On Dec. 1, 1966, Mike married Linda Lou Busch of Macksburg. They were married for over 53 years and were blessed with three children and eight grandchildren.

Mike attended Iowa Tech in Ottumwa, earning a degree in computer science. His career took him and his family to Kirksville; St. Louis; Kansas City; Springfield, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan; and Bentonville, Arkansas.

Mike was known for his love of sports, especially softball. He helped organize and coach several neighborhood co-ed teams, and later helped coach girls fast-pitch softball teams in Michigan and Arkansas.

Mike loved fishing and spending time with Linda and the kids, camping and boating with a wide circle of friends. Taking his grandkids fishing in Iowa farm ponds was a highlight of recent summers.

After retirement, he began riding horses regularly and even in the last week of his life took some of his grandkids out to ride his horse “Bullet.”

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 11, Mike faced significant health issues throughout his lifetime. In 2008 Mike was blessed to receive a heart transplant, and subsequently a kidney transplant in 2009. In recognition of those significant gifts, the family would encourage those who are able to donate blood in Mike’s memory and sign up to be organ donors.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; son Curt (Renee) Dwyer of East Lansing, Michigan; daughter Stacy (Wayne) Levering of Bella Vista, Arkansas; daughter Melinda Trainer of White Lake, Michigan; grandchildren: Alexander, Ian and Hope Dwyer, Nicolas, Matthew and Cristopher Kitzmiller, and Shawn and Allison Trainer.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. Pastor Paul Hass and Pastor Chris Gorshe of Bella Vista Lutheran Church will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Fontanelle Cemetery in Fontanelle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Luke's Foundation, 901 E. 104th St., Mail Stop 100s, Kansas City, MO 64131 to support transplant patients in financial need. Please make checks payable to "St. Luke's Foundation" and indicate "Merle Jam Transplant Fund" on the memo line, or give online at www.saintlukeskc.org. Memorials may also be made to Bella Vista Lutheran Church at the address above.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.