Michael L. Kuker

Michael L. Kuker, 64, of Fort Dodge passed away on Monday, January 25, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2016 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Rev. David Grindberg officiating. Burial will be at St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery. A visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home. Michael Leroy Kuker was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 27, 1951 to Leroy and Patricia (Gangestad) Kuker. He was raised in Fort Dodge, graduating from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1970. He received his AA degree from Iowa Central Community College. In 1975, Mike married Marcia Halsrud. There were four children born from this union. The couple later divorced. Mike was first employed at Iowa Beef. Then in 1974, he began work for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Later the railway changed to Union Pacific and Mike continued to work until his retirement. Mike loved all sports. He participated in track, football, and baseball in high school. He was a proud member of the 1969 State Champion Baseball Team at FDSH. Mike continued to play baseball in college and also played on a semi-pro baseball team in Fort Dodge. In his adult years, Mike played fast and slow pitch softball. Many hours were spent being a spectator for his children and grandchildren at their sporting events and other activities. Mike was a confirmed member of the Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, collecting sports memorabilia, and was a past member of the Lizard Creek Blues Society and the Moose Lodge. Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Chad Kuker, Ryan (Mindy) Kuker, Angie (Jason) Trost, and Ashley Kuker and sister, Pam (Don) Gerdes all of Fort Dodge. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Tyson, Katie and Lauren Kuker; Althea Engman; Ashton Kuker; Natalie Trost; Brayden and Brody Reimers. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randy Kuker and a grandson, Ethan Kuker. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Visitation Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Service Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 10:30 am St. Olaf Lutheran Church