Obituaries : Michael Raymond Less

Husband. Father. Survivor. Hero. Friend.
Michael Raymond Less, 77, of Atkins, died Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at home following a courageous battle with cancer. Services: 11 a.m., Thursday, April 27, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church, Newhall by Rev. Steven Rempher. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann of Atkins; son, Douglas (Kerri) Less of O'Fallon, MO; daughter, Deanna (Allyn) Kuennen of Northfield, MN; 5 grandchildren, Mackenzie, Miranda, Mason, Josiah (Josie) and Rowan; 1 sister; 2 brothers; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Hope and Gus Kuennen; and 1 brother.

Mike was born on April 21, 1945 in Cascade to Henry and Johanna McDermott Less. In 1964 he graduated from Aquin Catholic High School, Cascade and became a member of the United States Army, serving until 1967. On February 10, 1968, Mike married Ruth Ann Johnson at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. He worked as a fork lift operator for the Quaker Oats/Pepsico company for many years. Mike was a member of the Atkins American Legion and St. John Lutheran Church.

Mike enjoyed driving his truck and meeting his friends for breakfast and lunch. He loved to drink his Pepsi and was an avid Iowa State Cyclone fan. Remarkably, Mike survived 2 different forms of cancer. He was a kind and generous man who will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.