Michael J. Courey

Michael "Mike" Courey, 48, of Sioux City died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007, at his residence, with his family present, following an 18-month courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Mike was born Aug. 11, 1959, in Sioux City, the son of Michael and Helen (Schlote) Courey. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Heelan High School in 1977. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a degree in business management. He was a painter for Blankenship Meier Painting and Decorating for many years.

He had been president of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades Union Local 214.

He was a three sports all-stater at Bishop Heelan High School and received a full ride scholarship to Notre Dame. He was a quarterback for Heelan's 1975 state championship football team and was a member of Notre Dame's 1977 national Championship team. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. He was an avid sports fan and followed the Minnesota Twins and the Indianapolis Colts. He loved the outdoors. He was a natural and excelled at all he did. He was the best of the best.

Survivors include his longtime companion, Shelly Nolan of Sioux City; three daughters, Terra Jeffers of Arvada, Colo., and Jolene Nolan and Nikki Nolan, both of Sioux City; a son, Nathan Nolan of Sioux City; a sister, Pat Courey of Sioux City; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an uncle, Vince Courey; and an aunt, Evelyn Courey.

Pallbearers will be Michael Rashid, Dave O'Brien, Matt Greer, John Meacham, Mark Krapfl, Dan Kelly, Joe Conlon and Jeff Vlaanderen.