October 16, 1948 – November 2, 2025
Clear Lake- Michael Eugene Putnam (Mike), 77, passed peacefully from this wonderful world on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Mercy One North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa.
Michael was born October 16, 1948 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Gerald and Mary (Baier) Putnam. He lived in Cedar Falls and Waterloo until after his graduation from West Waterloo High School in 1968.
Like so many military veterans, Mike accumulated numerous health issues due to exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the U S Army in Vietnam.
Mike was a devoted single parent of young Jenifer. One night Mike asked Jessica Moeller to dance while he was standing on her toes; she declined. Another night he persisted; they dated. He proved to be a great dancer and life partner. Mike and Jessie married in Gladbrook, Iowa on November 18, 1973 when as Jenifer told her first grade classmates “we all got married together”.
Mike was a fun, dedicated and enthusiastic parent and grandparent. He enjoyed being a part of the kids’ activities whenever possible, which was nearly always. Mike did his best to impart his love of fireworks particularly at the Fourth of July; this took with most of his grandkids. It came to be expected that he would make peanut butter balls to celebrate holidays and for family members’ achievements.
Mike’s love of cars and working on them began early in life. He and his brother, Don, worked on cars and also raced at Neita Raceway. They had great times attending NHRA events. Cars took Mike into sales in Cedar Falls, Waterloo and eventually to Clear Lake and Mason City in 1978 when he and his family moved to Clear Lake. He enjoyed learning all about the newest car models and helping customers find the right one for them.
A skilled craftsman, Mike restored furniture for over 25 years for the public and for sale at several area spots as Putnam’s Refinishing. This included at Antiques on Main in Clear Lake, which he and Jessie established with Hartnett’s. Mike especially took pleasure extending an heirloom’s life for the enjoyment of a family.
Mike showed his love for his retirement job at Camp Tanglefoot, Head of Maintenance and Grounds, by the care and the initiatives he gave the camp.
Other interests of Mike’s were German Shepards, which he successfully showed; camping, boating, snowmobiling and other adventures with extended family; dancing with his wife; music events at the Surf; winter travels to warm places; meeting buddies downtown to shoot the breeze; cheering, when warranted, for the Minnesota Vikings and Iowa Hawkeyes.
Mike is survived by his wife, Jessica; daughter, Jenifer Dvorak and husband, John Katz; grandchildren Wolfgang (Olivia), William and Jessalyn Dvorak; sister Rosie Sorensen; sisters-in-law Fran Putnam, Jo Arbuckle and Joanne Moeller; brother-in-law Jay (Debbie Anne) Moeller and cherished nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Lyle and Emma Moeller; brother, Don; brothers-in-law Larry Sorensen and Jon Moeller.
Mike and his family have appreciated the treatment, care and support provided over many years by the Mason City and Des Moines VA clinics and recently by Mercy One clinics and hospital.
Mike’s family will host a Celebration of Life at a later time where we will share memories, laughs, and hugs. Plans will be announced on Mike’s tribute page at http://www.ColonialChapels.com
Suggestion for remembrances would be a donation to Wounded Warriors, your local food pantry or a cause of your choice.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193
colonialchapels.com