Michael James Downing

Michael James Downing, 71, of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, passed away February 22, 2021 at a local nursing home.  A private funeral for immediate family will be held at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.  Burial will be at St. Clair Cemetery in Ute, IA.  Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.  The service will be live streamed at http://youtu.be/HDMOnUSJYfQ 

Michael was born on June 1, 1949 in Mapleton, IA to James and Zelma (Freerking) Downing.  After high school he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Briar Cliff College.  Michael served in the United States Navy from 1969-1971, serving in Vietnam.  He was united in marriage to Christine Thornton and to this union two daughters were born, Courtney and Alyssa.  He later married Linda Johnson.  Michael worked for the corporate offices at Metz Baking, at Gateway, as a realtor and most recently as a loan officer at U.S. Bank.  He enjoyed golfing, home improvement projects, classic and foreign cars, and making people laugh with his great sense of humor.  He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and was never too far away from his family.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughter: Alyssa Downing, Sioux City; siblings: Paul (Kathy) Downing, Jeffrey Downing, and Jeanne (Efren Jr.) Bata, all of Sioux City; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Courtney Downing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Opportunities Unlimited, St. Croix Hospice or St. James United Methodist Church.