"Mike was my supervisor for many years; a close mentor and great friend. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was incredibly knowledgeable in claims. He is sadly missed and was a real blessing in my life. "
In loving memory of
Michael R. Creel
September 4, 1945 - January 7, 2019
Mike Creel died Monday, January 7, 2019, at the age of 73. A private family burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery, Algona, Iowa, next to his beloved grandparents Dr. Loren and Lila Potter. In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to a college fund established for Mike's grandson, Connor. They can be sent to Ron Creel, 436 Broad St. # 303, Rome, GA 30161.
Michael Ray Creel was born September 4, 1945, in Boston, MA, son of U.S. Navy Captain Clarence "Al" Creel and Kathleen "Katie" (Potter) Creel. As a post-war "Navy brat" Mike and his family traveled and lived in much of the world, including the Philippine Islands and numerous locations at Naval installations stateside. Overjoyed to be closer to his grandparents in both Algona and Cherokee, he graduated after only 3 years in Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University and at the top of his class from Palmer College of Chiropractic Medicine in Davenport, IA. After college, Mike decided to pursue a different career path and worked for various insurance companies directing the Claims departments. He ultimately moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he retired in 2007 as the Director of Litigation at K&K Insurance. He met his wife Paula and they married on October 25, 2002 in Ft Wayne, IN. Mike loved to golf but had that cut short after slipping on the back deck, sustaining a fractured ankle that left him with the inability to play his favorite game. He spent hours in the yard tending to the landscape and the constant battle with weeds.
Mike is survived by his wife Paula, sons Southwest Airlines Captain Ronald Creel (Nancy) of Rome, GA and Dr. Christopher Creel (Stephanie) of Los Alamos, NM, and his step-children Ryan Valentine of Ft Wayne, IN and Leah Valentine of Seattle, WA. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren, Connor Loren Creel, Michael Creel, Luke Creel and John Creel, and his brother Tom Creel and sister Kathy Prosser.
Mike was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, grandparents Dr. Loren and Lila Potter of Algona, IA and Rankin and Marion Creel of Cherokee, IA, and his beloved dogs Bear and Tazi.
Tributes
"Mike Creel was a long time friend and like many others , I had the pleasure of working with Mike and for him when he was vice-president with National Transportation Adjusters in Omaha, NE. Mike's family came first, but his second love was golf. Those who worked with Mike know how much he loved the game and how company work-travel "required" his proximity and hence playing at many well-known courses. Mike's knowledge of the insurance claims business was instrumental in my gaining a better understanding of how to best survive in it. Mike's sometimes irreverent sense of humor was always a joy to experience. Mike will be missed. Bill Cowan Phoenix AZ"
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family today as they say their final goodbyes to you. You were loved by many people and I know how much you loved your family. I feel so honored to have been your friend. I really appreciated your encouragement when I stepped outside the box (way out) and moved to Texas. You always called it what it was whether in discussions on claims or life in general. I looked forward to those conversations. You were such a wise man and I had so much respect for you. May you rest in peace dear friend! I will be here for Paula, as will so many of the friends the two of you have made over the years."
"I am thinking of you during this difficult time. May God comfort you in the days ahead as Romans 15:5 says he supplies comfort and endurance. My deepest sympathies to the family of Mike."
"Mike was a friend, a client and a gentleman. We worked together in the defense of many cases over the years and he was always supportive . His insight was invaluable and I valued his advice. I always enjoyed visiting with him on my trips to Ft Wayne and listening to his adventures in retirement. He was devoted to Paula and the kids . My prayer is that memories of happier times will bring comfort to all who miss him in coming months. My deepest sympathy on his loss. Jack Reale"
"I was a young attorney in Philadelphia, PA when I got a phone call from Mike Creel who said, "A little bird has landed on your shoulder...." He then introduced himself as K&K Insurance Company's Litigation Manager. After that conversation, Mike sent a file for me to handle. When that was concluded, he sent several more. A short time later, due to an illness in my wife's family, I made a decision to move to Arkansas and set up a defense trial practice. When I broke the news to Mike, he immediately told me to let him know when I got situated so that he and K&K could help me get a start. I am forever grateful. His support was appreciated beyond measure. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paula and the Creel family. Robert T. Veon, Texarkana, Arkansas"
"Mike was a mentor to me while at Acceptance Insurance Company, and for that I will be forever grateful. I will remember the great times we had. May you have eternal peace. See you on the other side. Dona Raye"
"Paula, my heart goes out to you. I will give you a warm hug when you return home. Kathy"
"I was stunned and heartbroken to see this news today. Mike did more to shape my career and serve as a mentor than any person I have met in this industry. His sense of humor and ability to see through the weeds is something I remember roundly about Mike. He once told me that he was proud of me, which has meant more to me than I could ever properly express. My profound sympathies to Paula and the entire Creel family, and may the wonderful memories be a source of comfort to you as it is to those who had the honor of working with him."
"I met Mike 28 years ago when his son Ron & i were freshmen in college. I have such fond memories talking with Mike in his kitchen back in Lincoln. I am so grateful to have known Mike Creel and my heart goes out to Ron and the rest of his family. Rest in peace Mike."
"There are so many things I wanted to say I worked with Mike and was friends with him outside the office my heart breaks he will be missed greatly I had this vision of Mike standing in line to get into the pearly gates and Mike walks past the line and goes up to speak to Saint Peter and says Hey if you can get me in sooner there will be a little something extra in your check! What else can I say lol except rest in peace we love you "
"Mike was and is a very special friend to me. I have so much respect for Mike. Such a loyal person and friend to me. I will miss you so much Mike. Such an honor to be your friend. Love you my friend."
"Mike Creel was my former supervisor and a long time mentor. When people say "class act" they are speaking of someone like Mike. Generous, exceptionally smart, and tremendously loyal, he was truly one of a kind. I am devastated to hear of his passing and believe this world has lost a very, very special person. "
"I was partnered with Mike on a committee many years ago and got to know a fellow K & K employee who I had not met before. You didn't have to worry about what Mike was thinking. He was a pistol, telling the truth, but in a way that most others wouldn't say....but wanted to! He was a stinker and sassy, but he is the guy you wanted on your team, backing you up and holding the floor with his knowledge, confidence and expertise. I learned a lot from him in a very short period of time and respected him for calling a spade a spade. Both Mike and Paula were supportive during a difficult time in my life and learned that both Mike and Paula come from "Good People". Oh Mike....I wish you could text me some funny sarcasim today. It always made me laugh. Peace to you; you've gone home to see your furry babies. Lots of Love "
"Mike was a tremendous mentor to me. I met him 26 years ago when he was at Acceptance Insurance in Omaha. I was a young, inexperienced lawyer then, but Mike took a chance on me and hired me on one of his cases. Mike was fiercely loyal to his colleagues and friends. When Mike moved to Ft. Wayne to run the claims department for K&K Insurance, he made sure I received work from that company. Once you were on "Mike's team" he took care of you and watched out for you. I learned a lot from Mike. I enjoyed his dry sense of humor. I owe the successes I have achieved to the trust and loyalty Mike placed in me. Mike will never be forgotten. John Schultz Kansas City Missouri"