Michael "Mike" Flaherty passed from this life on 15 April 2016 after battling cancer. Visitation for Mike will be Monday from 4 pm to 7pm at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home & Crematory, Rock Island. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 7 pm,  Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport IA.

A graduate of Alleman High School and Augustana College, Mike enjoyed a varied career, using his Accounting degree with companies in IA and WI and was active in Jaycees, earning awards for his service. He managed plants for Miller Container  across IL, two computer companies in the Quad Cities, and owned The Popcorn Company in SouthPark Mall. He closed his career in Verona WI for Innocorp and, after retiring, worked part-time for Eriksen Chevrolet.

A Vietnam-era Navy veteran, Mike served aboard the USS Albany in Guantanamo and the Mediterranean. While stationed in Boston, he met his wife Nancy, with whom he enjoyed 47 wonderful years.

He was very proud of both of his sons, Rob and sweet pea (Tim), supporting their varied interests and encouraging them on their individual life paths. A major joy of his life was granddaughter Bailey, whom he introduced to nature activities while she taught him about girls!

Mike's love for his family drew him back to his hometown of Rock Island. As the oldest of eight brothers, he was their leader and organizer from childhood to the present. His brothers remember him as an example of a generous man who gave back to his community as a volunteer for numerous activities, especially those involving children. He was the older brother everyone wishes they could have.

Christmas Eve in the extended Flaherty household was a special event, as Mike joyfully became Santa. His "ho-ho-hos" resonated throughout his parents' home each year, as he entered laden with sacks of gifts in a costume lovingly sewn by his mother. All his nieces and nephews anxiously awaited his arrival, even after they grew savvy enough to recognize his true identity!

His passion for nature and the environment inspired him to complete Master Naturalist certification for IL; he was awarded Master Naturalist of the Year 2014. His volunteer work included an initiative to create pathway signage at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island. He also became a Master Conservationist in Iowa. His work at Nahant Marsh was instrumental in his experience of the natural world and he developed numerous new friends in the community. He stated, "It has literally changed my life!" He united members of both groups to share their activities, embark on relevant road trips, and celebrate the earth. The best thing that happened to him, he states, was meeting friend Marion Lardner, who gave him a true appreciation of a lifelong dedication to the outdoors.

Mike enjoyed backyard birdwatching, providing a variety of feeders for different species. He filled the feeders at BlackHawk State Historic Site throughout last winter and also those of elderly friends. Fishing was always an enjoyable pastime throughout Mike's life; he enjoyed sharing his extensive knowledge, especially with younger folks.

Survivors are wife Nancy Flaherty, son Rob (Anne) Flaherty and their daughter Bailey, Joliet IL, and son sweet pea Flaherty, Tacoma WA. Mike's brothers include: Tom (Nancy) Rock Island, Jay Bellevue IA, John (Glenda) Coal Valley IL, Bill (Ann) Dallas TX, Dan (Diane) Cedar Falls IA, Pat (Karen) Bettendorf IA, and Brian (Mary) Rock Island plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents James and Doris Flaherty, and his brother Robert Michael.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com