Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Visitation
September 30, 2026
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Funeral Service
October 1, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Watch Livestream
Memorial Donations
- Cedar Valley Hospice
- Izaac Walton League
Michael John “Mike” Riley, 81, of La Porte City, passed away peacefully at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. He was born on January 28, 1945, in Waterloo, the son of James “Tim” and Nadine McAllister Riley. Mike graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1963. He worked as a machinist and assembler for John Deere Co, where he dedicated 33 years of service, retiring in July 2004. His work ethic and commitment reflected his character.
Mike met the love of his life, Ann Fortsch, and they later married in Las Vegas, spending a lifetime together. They shared many wonderful memories together, exploring different landscapes and making cherished memories. Mike and Ann spent 15 of their winters enjoying the sunshine of Arizona and their summers surrounded by the beauty of Canada.
Mike was a proud member of the Izaak Walton League and the Cedar Valley Corvette Club. He loved the outdoors and spent his leisure time shooting trap, skeet and fishing. These activities brought him great joy.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Ann Riley, of La Porte City; his children, Stacy (Paul) Reese of Knoxville, IA, Peyton (Nikki) Deterding of Urbandale, Emily (Cory) Check of Gays Mills, WI, Audrey (Brian) Levknecht of Lacrosse, WI, Meghan (Dominic) Peters of Evansdale, and Timothy (Alyssa) Riley of Mason, MI; grandchildren Sydney Meseck, Jaece and Haley Deterding, Grace and Olivia Check, Vivian, Amelia, and Jace Levknecht, Brayden, Caleb, Corbin, and Aubrey Peters, and Gillian and Sullivan Riley; sister Kaye Chaddima of Cedar Rapids; brothers Jeff (Heidi) Riley of El Paso, TX and John (LuAnn) Riley of Kansas City, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:30 am, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, with burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4-6 pm at Locke at Tower Park, and also the hour before the service, where family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Mike’s remarkable life. Memorials may be directed to the Izaak Walton League or Cedar Valley Hospice.
Locke at Tower Park is in charge of arrangements 319-233-3146. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.
Mike’s legacy will continue to shine through the love he shared with his family and friends, reminding us to cherish each moment and seek adventure every day. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.
Ann, So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My prayers are with you and family.
(Sharon Huebner)
Thank you. Been tough
Dear Ann,
Sad days and moments when we think of Mike. We were on our toes when he played Bocce Ball. No telling what Mike would do or say. Our hot tub nights were times we looked forward to. We missed you guys more than you will ever know when you stopped coming to Roadhaven. We love you Ann. Our house is always open to you.
Thank you. Miss you guys alot.
Ann, So sorry I didn’t get to see Mike. I had talked with a mutual friend that frequented the club on Wednesdays. It just never came together and it is so unfortunate. Enjoyed working with you and Mike and so much appreciated his friendship. We had a great group of guys we worked with and we did many things together in the few years. I was blessed to work with all. Hope to see you Wednesday.
Thanks for the kind words. Just remember all the times at the river and how you weren’t at work on Monday
Sorry for your loss Ann. Prayers to you and family
Thank you. Been a long time.
Ann, to you and your family we send our thoughts and prayers for this difficult time. Glad we got to see you at the scholarship dinner. Cherish the memories and share the stories with family and friends. Jane & Wayne
Ann, our condolences to you and your family.
Thank you. You were discussed with one of our nurses. Nothing like names of the past.
Ann so sorry to read of Mikes passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Thanks. It is tough as you know.
Ann and family , I so was saddened to see that Mike passed. He was such a good friend to Perle. I never met you but heard a lot about you ( all good ). He really enjoyed the time you spent together. I hope you are all coping well and are there for each other. Take care. Peggy Stainbrook Petersen
Ah thank you Peggy. They are back together again. Miss them both.