Michael Joseph Hoenig

Mike was born on November 20, 1963, in Ft. Madison, IA, to the late Adrian and Marie (Becker) Hoenig. Following graduation from the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in 1980, he earned a BA in psychology from Central College, Pella in 1984 and an MA in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Iowa in 1987.

Mike devoted his career to advocating for the rights and equal treatment of people with disabilities. In his early 33-year tenure as a program coordinator at the University of Iowa Health Care Center for Disabilities and Development, he had the privilege of teaching people with disabilities how to speak up for themselves and to help students and practicing professionals understand how to support them.

In semi-retirement, Mike found his niche as a volunteer. He served as a member of the Iowa Commission for the Blind and Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council and as a secretary of Friendship Force of the Quad Cities. He was part of the “Caring Companions” team at St. Paul Lutheran Church and enjoyed volunteering at Hope at the Brick House where he read print/braille books to early elementary school students.

Mike loved life with a zeal which only grew as he aged. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan and especially enjoyed catching up with friends and former players each year on the team-hosted cruise. An “old soul”, Mike gravitated toward big band music, classic Broadway productions, and a good stiff Manhattan. He enjoyed playing cards with the proverbial “marked” braille deck, reading, and lively conversation.

Mike is survived by two sisters, Joyce (Hoenig) Patterson of Lake Placid, FL and Janet (Hoenig) St. Clair of Rock Springs, WY; Aunts Rosemary (Becker) Burden of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Betty (Freesmeier) Becker of West Point, IA, and Patricia (Fedler) Becker of Blue Grass, IA; Numerous cousins; and special friend Phyllis Ahlstrand.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Quad City Sled Hockey Association or University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The family wishes to thank the many skilled professionals at the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and Unity Point Health Bettendorf Campus for the outstanding care provided throughout Mike’s cancer journey.