McINTIRE — Michael Thomas Cummings, 76, of McIntire, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 21, 2026, after a life marked by more than two decades of military service, devotion to family and a love for cars, motorcycles and time spent with friends.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Homes in Riceville is assisting the family.
Michael was born September 21, 1949, in Austin, Minnesota, the oldest son of Thomas and Doris (Hanson) Cummings.
He graduated from Riceville High School in 1968 and joined the United States Navy the following year.
What began as military service became a career that lasted more than 20 years. Michael served in the Navy from 1969 until retiring in 1991, a career that took him and his family to locations around the world.
After years of military moves and service, Michael chose to settle in McIntire and enjoy retirement closer to family and friends.
He was the kind of man who made time for the people in his life. Family gatherings were important to him, and he rarely missed an opportunity to get together with relatives. He also enjoyed meeting his buddies for coffee or an adult beverage and simply spending time in good company.
Michael had a lifelong interest in anything with an engine.
He enjoyed tinkering with his collection of vehicles, attending classic car shows, riding and admiring Harleys and following NASCAR. In his younger years, he also enjoyed shooting pool and singing karaoke.
Michael was married to Lois (Marquardt) Cummings in 1969, and their marriage continued until her passing. He later married Diana (Hardy) Cummings in 1988, and they remained together until her passing.
Those left to remember Michael include his children, Jeremy, Amanda and Adam Cummings; grandchildren Marissa and Ryan Cummings and Brittany Jenkins; and siblings Marlys Mayer (Denny), Pat Fuller, Judy Carlson, Spike Cummings, Sharon Zobeck (Gary), Steve Cummings, John Cummings (Lori), Tom Cummings (Michelle) and Dennis Miller.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Doris Cummings; wives Lois Cummings and Diana Cummings; son Michael T. Cummings Jr.; brothers Kenny Cummings and Bob Cummings; and sister Mavis Miller.
Following a life that took him from Northern Iowa to military assignments around the world and eventually back home again, Michael will be remembered for his service to his country, his loyalty to family and friends and the simple things he enjoyed most — good conversation, a favorite vehicle, a classic car show and time spent with the people who mattered to him.
Michael’s final resting place will be Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.
To view Michael’s complete obituary, share a memory or leave a message for his family through Hindt-Hudek Funeral Homes, please click here.
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