Mike McKiness

Mike McKiness, of Clear Lake, passed away Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, at Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn. from a sudden and aggressive cancer.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, with the Rev. John Gossman officiating.

  Family suggests memorial contributions to Lime Creek Nature Center, in Mason City.

Mike was born Nov. 23, 1944, to Bob and Maxine McKiness, in Mason City. One of five boys, he attended schools in Mason City and went to college at Iowa State University where he earned degrees in Civil Engineering and Political Science.

His entire life was spent working at McKiness Excavating, which was established in 1939 by his father.

He started out as a small boy learning and working alongside his dad, eventually being able to operate every piece of heavy equipment. In his younger years, he shoveled dirt and installed sewer pipe. His engineering skills enabled him to calculate the use of explosives to bring down tall structures.

His marking is on many Iowa landmarks that were demolished under his supervision. He had great knowledge of much of the surrounding areas.  He knew whether the land was composed of rock, sand, black dirt or clay, and if it was a wet or dry area.

Mike was truly an intellectual man. Reading was an enormous part of his life. He rarely missed “Jeopardy” and his wide span of knowledge was astounding to all who knew him.

During his entire life he has walked several miles daily. The trails of Lime Creek Nature Center, Rock Falls, The Green Belt, and East Park hold traces of his footprints.

As far as his character, there will never be one with more vibrant colors. His personality was a magnet to draw you in. He had a black and white mind, but on the same token, he could blow you away with comical, fast thinking one liners.

He has traveled through Europe and most regions of the U.S. His heart was the biggest, safest, warmest, and kindest. His ability to relate to children was one of his finest qualities. He was generous and giving to all he loved.

He played a mean game of Black Jack and Craps. He lived for football. The irony of leaving in the prime of the season is a mind blower. His sudden sickness and passing is like a brutal unreality to all who loved him. His loss is uncomprehending.

He is survived by his wife, Pam McKiness, of Clear Lake; daughter, Sonja McKiness-Perez, of Phoenix, Az.; stepson, Bobby Patten (Tracy), of Thornton, Iowa; stepdaughters, Mindi Larson, of Clear Lake, Mary (Brad) Thompson, of Breckenridge, Colo., and Whitney (Josh) Newsome, of Foresthill, Calif.; grandchildren, Michael Perez, Olivia, Lizzy and Bernie Larson, Madison and Carter Patten, and Oliver Thompson; brothers, Bobby (Suzan) and Jack McKiness, both of Mason City; niece and nephew, Garrett and Keeley McKiness, of Mason City; special friends, Gregg and Pat Cunningham, of Auburn, N.H., Scott Usher, of Mason City and Pat Raszell of Waterloo, Iowa.

Mike was preceded in death by both of his parents; brothers, Doug and Craig McKiness; mother-in-law, Margaret Fink; and son-in-law, Bjorn Larson.