MASON CITY – Michael J. Woolery, 75, of Mason City, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 5, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE in Mason City. Burial will follow at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, September 4, at the funeral chapel.
Michael was born November 23, 1950, in Mason City, the son of William Sr. and Lilly Anderson Woolery. He grew up in Mason City and graduated with the Mason City High School Class of 1969.
Hard work became one of the defining themes of Michael’s life.
He began working at Central State Auto Auction and later built a career with Northern Natural Gas, now MidAmerican Energy, where he eventually retired. Michael also spent time working alongside his father at Bill’s Auto Recon.
On October 2, 1971, Michael married Mattie Mae Coleman at St. John Baptist Church in Mason City.
Together, the couple built a home centered around family gatherings, laughter and time spent with the people they loved most. Mattie preceded Michael in death on August 24, 2007.
Family remained the center of Michael’s world.
His home became a gathering place for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and Thanksgiving held an especially important place in his heart.
Michael affectionately referred to the younger members of his family as “his babies,” and those around him never had to wonder how much they meant to him.
When he wasn’t working or spending time with family, Michael enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. Over the years he made numerous fishing trips and created many memories along the way.
He and Mattie also enjoyed traveling together in their RV, including trips to barbecues and gatherings in Des Moines and Fort Dodge.
Michael had an interest in cars and computers and was known for enjoying a good gathering with family and friends.
Among those closest to him, he earned the affectionate nickname “Uncle Funky,” reflecting the lively personality he brought wherever he went.
Michael is survived by his children, Landis Coleman and Carmen Woolery; grandchildren Dominique Woods, Xavier Senger, Aubury Green, Zabrian Coleman and Drew Davis; and numerous great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings Veronica Richmond, Barbara Brown, Wallace Woolery, Linda Woolery, Judy Johnson, Charles Woolery and Ernest Woolery, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mattie; grandparents Leonard and Anita LaFrance; brothers William Woolery Jr., Thomas Woolery, Ronald Woolery and Robert Woolery; and several aunts and uncles.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City is handling arrangements. To view Michael’s full obituary, leave a memory or obtain additional service information, please click here.
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