Michael John Harper, 66, of Davenport, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2021 from colon cancer. Visitation will be held between 12:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M. at the Runge Mortuary & Crematory on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
Mike was born on November 18th, 1954 in Bethesda, Maryland to John and Marie (Barbara) Harper. Mike has always had a passion for sports as a fan, an athlete, and a coach. He was inducted into McNamara High School’s Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments. On July 13th, 1980, he married Suzette Thompson. Together they raised their three children to whom Mike passed along his love for the UNC Tar Heels and the Washington Redskins.
Early in his adult life, Mike influenced many young men as a basketball coach at Mary Crest College in Davenport. Mike also had an extensive career in the restaurant industry. He most recently had a love and dedication to The River House and Steel Plow restaurants that he was part owner of. Mike will be remembered by many for his playful, joking, loving, and competitive personality that suited him well as a coach, employer, family man and friend.
Above all, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Suzette, their three children; Brett (Angie) Harper, Justin (Liz) Harper, and Alexa Harper, three grandchildren; Nolan, Chase, and Wesley, his sisters; Barbara (Mike) Cavanaugh, Joan Rackey, Donna (Mike) Graumann, and many special nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Anne Crupi.
