Michael S. Tandy

Michael “Papa” Steven Tandy, 69, of Bettendorf, died peacefully on Friday, March 31st at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa.

An Irish Wake to celebrate Mike will be held Monday, April 3rd from 4 until 7 p.m. at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home in Davenport with a time of sharing at 6:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Muscatine Humane Society or the animal rescue organization of your choice.

Mike was born in Davenport, Iowa, on September 19, 1953, to Harold W. and Kathleen (Kay) E. Tandy. He was united in marriage to Jan Motto on June 17, 1978.

Mike attended St. Paul Catholic School and Assumption High School, where he recently helped coordinate his class’ respective 55th and 50th reunions. He graduated from St. Ambrose College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Drama and Secondary Education, minoring in English and Philosophy. He began his teaching career at Davenport Central High School shortly thereafter. At Central, he taught Language Arts until his retirement. He helped run their theater department and directed many plays. After coaching his daughter’s 8th grade basketball team, he shifted his extra time to coaching basketball, track, and cross-country, winning state titles in track and cross country, for the Blue Devils.

After retiring, Mike loved to spend time fishing, reading, listening to music, traveling with Jan, taking art classes, and cheering on the Hawkeyes, the Packers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He relished spending time with his family, especially all of the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and attending all of their events. 

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jan; his sister Patricia; his children Kathleen Tandy (Brendan Hanks) of Iowa City and Michael Tandy (Jill Tandy) of Davenport; his grandchildren Norah and Evelyn Tandy; many extended family and friends; and his dog Lotti.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Diana, and his best dog Deacon. 

The Tandy family would like to express their thanks to the dedicated and caring staff of the Genesis Health System.