Michael J. Downes

1949 - 2025

Michael J. Downes

October 10, 1949 - September 28, 2025

Michael J. Downes, 75, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Monday, October 6, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf, with Father James Vrba officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services. Additional visitation is 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 5, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery (RI Arsenal), where the Davenport American Legion Post #26 will present military honors. Memorials may be made to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities or St. Joan of Arc Foundation.

Michael James Downes was born October 10, 1949, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of John "Jack" and Geraldine (Eckermann) Downes. He grew up on the family farm in Cosgrove, Iowa, alongside his six siblings, and graduated from Regina High School in Iowa City. He went on to attend the University of Iowa, where he was a proud member of ROTC.

Following graduation, Mike was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, serving two years, including one stationed in Okinawa, Japan. While later living in Atlanta, Ga., he met Barbara "BJ" Seaton of Seaton, Ill. The two fell in love and were married on March 3, 1979, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned more than 46 years. Together, they raised two children, Bradley and Rebecca, of whom Mike was especially proud. His greatest joy was time spent boating with his family on Lake Panorama.

Mike earned his MBA from Florida Institute of Technology and worked for the Department of Defense at the Rock Island Arsenal for more than 35 years, retiring in 2007.

He was an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, the Iowa Hawkeye Alumni Club, and the Greater Quad Cities I-Club, where he especially enjoyed Monday gatherings following football weekends. He was a regular at the Bettendorf YMCA, forming many friendships over the years. He took pride in mowing his lawn, cheering on the Hawkeyes, and, above all, spending time with his family.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, BJ Downes; his two children and their spouses, Bradley and Lauren Downes of Denver, Colo., and Rebecca and Tom Lubarsky of Palatine, Ill.; five grandchildren, his true pride and joy, Audrey, Caroline and Collin Downes, and Nora and Benjamin Lubarsky; siblings, Sandra Benda, Daniel (JoAnne) Downes, Richard (Kim) Downes, Denise (Travis) Nitcher, and Jacqueline (Robert) Dykstra; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Emma Lou Downes.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.