Michael Joseph Athey

Michael Joseph “Mike” Athey, 55, of Washington, IL, passed away at 12:09 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL, with his family by his side.
Mike was born August 28, 1960, in Council Bluffs, IA, to Joseph and Thana (Poulos) Athey. He married Wende Reeser on May 31, 2000, in Clayton, MO.

He is survived by his wife, Wende; father, Joe Athey of Council Bluffs, IA; brother, Jeff Athey and his wife, Kris, of Crescent, IA; two nephews, Scott Athey and his wife, Jamie, of Crescent, and David Athey of Crescent; mother-in-law, Helga Stoner of Funkstown, MD; father-in-law, Daniel Reeser, Jr. and his wife, Sandy, of Waynesboro, PA; sister-in-law, Janis Reeser of Funkstown; extended family and friends, and his beloved dogs, Jewel and Buddy.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Thana, and his grandparents.

Mike graduated from Lewis Central Community High School, in Council Bluffs, in 1978. He majored in economics and mathematics at Creighton University, graduating summa cum laude in 1982. He went on to earn his master’s degree and his Ph.D. in economics from Washington University in St. Louis.

Mike taught economics for many years at several schools, including Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Northern Illinois University, Kalamazoo College, and his alma mater, Wash U. In 2000, Mike joined Caterpillar Inc. He served the company as an economist from its headquarters in Peoria, as well as from Singapore and Hong Kong.

He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Rams fan, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, September 24, at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home & Crematory in Council Bluffs. A reception will follow in the Hoy-Kilnoski community room.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Ataxia Foundation or Midlands Humane Society.

Mike’s memorial website is available at www.hoyfuneral.com, where condolences may be sent to the family.