Michael "Mike" Starr

Michael “Mike” Starr, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at his home. Visitation: 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids with Military Honors.

Mike was born February 2, 1950, in Independence, Iowa, the son of George and Saraina (Glime) Starr. He went to Jefferson High School, class of 1970. Mike served his country honorably in the United States Army during Vietnam in Okinawa and Germany. On June 13, 1970, Mike was united in marriage to Linda Vanous in Cedar Rapids. He owned and operated Mike’s Home Repair and dedicated 20 years to Apache Hose. He loved the outdoors - hunting and fishing, then bringing home his catch to cook it himself. Keeping his yard neat wasn’t a chore for him. It was something he genuinely enjoyed and took pride in. Mike was the jack of all trades and really enjoyed helping others.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda Starr; daughters, Christy Starr (Mike Hootman) and Brandi Starr; grandchildren, DeShaun Starr of Cedar Rapids, Taylor Hootman (Maddux) of North Liberty, Iowa, and Lyndsey Elliott of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren, AdaLynn, EliAnna’Mae and Malakai; sisters, Kathy Bailey and Becky Robertson; sister-in-law, Cookie Vanous (Will Ewart); three half-brothers; and three half-sisters.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, John Bailey and Donald Robertson.