Michael Hugh Humphreys
March 20, 1947 — September 11, 2024
Michael Hugh Humphreys
Cumming, Iowa
Michael Hugh Humphreys, 77, of Cumming, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, with his son by his side. Mike was born March 20, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Norris ‘Lefty’ Humphreys and Amelia ‘Millie’ Humphreys.
Mike graduated from North High School in 1965. He loved being a member of the reunion committee, but probably enjoyed the Chucks Pizza more. Mike attended University of Iowa before starting his career as a car salesman. Anyone who knew Mike knew that this career path fit his personality perfectly. Mike retired from Ruan as an Account Executive in 2012.
Mike married JoAnn (Galeazzi) Humphreys on September 13, 1969, at Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Des Moines. Mike and JoAnn were happily married for 45 years. After a short stint living in Des Moines, the couple moved to Saint Charles. Their son Tyler would come into their lives in 1981, and the three would end up settling for good in Greenbrier Estates in Cumming, Iowa.
A lover of music, Mike attended concerts and festivals through his life. His close friends and family were also treated to his harmonica skills from time to time when jam sessions broke out.
Mike loved his Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. He raced motorcycles in his early years. The passion to ride stuck with him throughout his life, as friends would come over to watch American Flat Track races.
Mike was always the life of the party – and would lift your spirits. Mike was kind, caring, sensitive; always willing to help friends and strangers alike. He was always willing to put in the effort to make new friends.
His family were strong supporters of the Hawkeye athletic program and attended tailgates for Iowa football games. The Humphrey’s living room hosted many Hawkeye watch parties.
Remaining to cherish Mike’s memory are son; Tyler (Lindsey), grandson, Jameson; brother, Steve. Preceding Mike in death are spouse, JoAnn; parents, Lefty and Millie; brother, Lyle ‘Bob’.
The family would like to thank Adel Acres and Hospice of the Midwest. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Above + Beyond Cancer in West Des Moines or to the Mercy One Richard Deming Cancer Center in Des Moines.
Family will greet guests on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. A funeral service will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Dick Swim
09/25/2024
I loved going to flat track races with you, it was always an adventure and you never knew what to expect next. Tailgating in Iowa City was always fun and gathering for Hawkeye games at someone's home filled many Saturdays. It was fun to be around you and I will cherish your friendship forever. Your last checkered flag has flown and you will be greatly missed by family & friends. Rest in peace brother
Gary Ihnen
09/24/2024
Mike Humphreys (AKA “Humps”) was a Renaissance Man and an iconic (ànd unapologetic) holdover from the “Revolution of the ‘60s.”Humble in heart, mind and spirit, Mike had an MO and reputation for putting common folk on a pedestal and for spitting” (or as he’d put it, “expectorate”) on the shoes of big people and greedy bureaucrats, plutocrats and such. He’d cock his head, slowly stroke is beard, look at you dead in the eye and declare, “No sir, got no time for critters like that. Ein’t righteous-like. Way off plumb.”
Mike loved motorcycles, ice fishing on our GB Lake, John Prine, The Blues (he played a pretty mean harmonica) and gathering with his GB neighbors at The Gilded Palace (Sean and Becki Sullivan’s garage) and listening to “The Red Hot Chili Peppers.” But anyone who knew Mike, knew that is greatest love in life was his “bride” (wife Jo Ann), son Tyler and his grandson Jameson. As Mike’s close friend Sean Sullivan so aptly put it, “Humps was a legend.”
We’re gonna miss ya Humps. But you’ll never be forgotten. Legends are like that…….
Gary (and Carol) Ihnen
Mary Ann Be
09/20/2024
Hello family of Michael,
My name is Mary Ann Be. I was a nursing student of Joann's many years ago at Mercy College. I continued my nursing education and eventually became a nurse practitioner. I had the honor of helping Michael when he was in Ramsey Village a few years ago. My deepest condolences for your family. May Michael and JoAnn rest in peace together. My love to you all. They were a lovely couple. Warmest Regards, Mary Ann
Bob Economaki
09/16/2024
I am going to miss Mike's energy and vibe. He was one of those people in life that always made living fun and worthwhile. I enjoyed and loved Mike and Jo Ann as my childhood backyard neighbors when they lived on Brinkwood. Mike always mentioned how much he loved Tyler, Lindsey and Jameson. Rest in Peace Humps.
Julie Mullins
09/16/2024
Rest in Peace Mike - I enjoyed getting to know you while visiting my mom at Adel Acres. You were always a friendly smile that greeted her each day! I hope you are dancing with your wife in heaven. God speed.
Linda Miles
09/14/2024
This is from both "Doc " and myself .many memories and great times with both you and Jo ann in St .Charles and elsewhere ,thanks for them and may you rest in peace Mike with Jo Ann. ❤️❤️ My condolences to the family ,Savior the memories !!
Thomas Wolfe
09/14/2024
I can't believe Mike has passed. I'm so sorry, this world is gonna miss that laugh of his. He was one of the greatest people I've ever taken care off over my career. He was always so kind, polite, and understanding. I always loved talking with him, made the day so much easier. I'll never forget you Mike, rest in peace.
Kellie townsend
09/13/2024
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was always fun to chat with and a good friend to my mom while she was at Adel Acres. He will be missed!!
Steven Bell
09/13/2024
Many great memories of our times at Chuck’s and the Bean Bowl. May you rest in peace my friend….🙏🙏