"I just heard of Mike's passing and am so saddened by the news. Mike was a great guy who loved his family. I spent the better part of an afternoon a couple of summers ago interviewing Mike about his life. His love for his family was palpable. I will make sure to send the family a copy of the book when it is out. Much love to Chad and Terri and the kids. I am truly sorry for your loss. With affection, Kristy Nabhan-Warren"
In loving memory of
Mike Furlong
March 2, 1949 - June 10, 2020
MICHAEL FURLONG
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Mike Furlong died peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at his son's home in Iowa City, Iowa, at the age of 71 years old.
A visitation is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14th, 2020, at Ardon Creek Vineyard & Winery, with a service following at 3:00 p.m. at the winery. The interment will immediately follow at the St. Malachy's Cemetery in 76 Township (2 miles from Ardon Creek) with a fellowship following interment at the winery. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorials be made to the St. Malachy's of Ardon Preservation Society or 4-H Club. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Mike was born on March 2, 1949, at Bellevue hospital in Muscatine, Iowa to Leo and Frances (Ryan) Furlong. Mike was a 9-year member of the "Spirit of 76" 4-H Club. He graduated from Central, a one-room country school in 1963, Hayes Catholic High School in 1967, Muscatine Community College in 1969 and The University of Iowa in 1977, with a coach and physical education degree. While at Muscatine Community College Mike played two years of baseball and basketball.
Mike served 12 years in the Army National Guard where he was the combat engineers' detachment commander for the Muscatine unit and eventually departed the National Guard as a field artillery Captain from the field artillery battalion based in Rock Island, Illinois.
Mike spent 35 years with the HON Company starting out in the plant and eventually spending the majority of his career in the field sales and sales management areas.
He was a 30 year president of the St. Malachy's of Ardon Preservation Society whose mission was to preserve this historic, turn of the century Irish Catholic church.
Mike, his wife Diane, and son Chad were founders of the Ardon Creek Vineyard and Winery located in his beloved "76" Township in Muscatine County. Outside of the winery business, Mike loved investing time nurturing relationships and growing community spirit through other activities that honored the value of rural Iowa life. He will be missed by all for his quick wit and warm way of engaging with you.
Mike is survived by his wife, Diane Furlong; his son, Chad Furlong of Iowa City, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Tarri Marquardt of Iowa City, Iowa; two grandchildren, Emma Furlong and Jack Furlong also of Iowa City. He additionally is survived by his three siblings and their children: brother Tim Furlong (Marsha) of Vinton, Iowa, Kevin Furlong (Jill) of Stillwater, Minnesota, and a sister Sheila Wester (John) of Princeton Illinois.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and two infant siblings, Sean and Mary Francis.
Tributes
"Just learned of Mike's passing. My condolences to the family. Mike was a great guy and very uplifting to talk to. Always cheerful and friendly. First met Mike at HON Co. where is attitude made him a standout. "
"I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family."
"So sorry to hear about your loss of Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Michele Lane"
"Gene and Sue Langstaff I served several years with Mike in the National Guard at Muscatine. A chat with him was always fun and interesting. Our thought and prayers are with his family."
"Diane, Chad, Shelia, Tim and Kevin, We will miss Mike on our Iowa visits. He always had something good to say and care about the local history. Our thoughts are with you. Dan and Suzy Furlong"
"We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He and Diane own our favorite backyard in Iowa and he will be be missed. Mike and Diane gave us some great memories when visiting the winery. Our prayers go out to the family."
"Our sincere condolences for you and your family! You are in our prayers ?. Jim and Sue Bermel."
"I was saddened to read of Mike's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. God bless your family and may Mike rest in the peace of the Lord. Jane"
"Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the entire Furlong families. Mike was a wonderful and kind man. A good friend. May the lord shine his perpetual light on his spirit. God Bless. Randy & Debbie Duncan"
"I went to high school with Mike, always a fun loving, great guy, my thoughts are with the family...."
"I worked with Mike at Hon for years. I was so proud when he made his winery dream come true! He will be missed."
"I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a nice guy and will be missed by so many in the Iowa wine industry! Sending lots of love and prayers for comfort to your family during this time. "
"I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a nice guy and will be missed by so many in the Iowa wine industry! Sending lots of love and prayers for comfort to your family during this time. "
"So sad to hear of this , he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family."
"Im so sorry to hear this news. Ive known Mike and Diane for many years and took their wedding pictures. He was the sweetest man and I know he will be missed by all. My heart goes out to Diane and Chad and the rest of his family. ???? "
"So sorry to hear of Mike?s passing. Loved seeing him at the winery and at tastings. My thoughts and prayers to the Furlong family. ???? Tim and Julie Long"
"Sincere condolences to Mike?s family and friends. My Mom, Arlene Eichelberger Hitchcock, was born and raised in 76 Township, and was lifelong friends with the Furlong (and Noll and other 76 Township) families. I remember Thanksgiving Day services when the congregations of both St. Malachy Catholic and High Prairie Methodist, in neighboring Lake Township, met in alternative years at the one of the two churches. I admired the creation of the St. Malachy of Ardon Preservation Society to preserve and maintain the church that had been a local landmark and a center of community life for as long as I could remember. "
"So saddened to hear of Mike?s passing. My heart and prayers go out to you, Diane, and your family. It was so fun seeing him and chatting at the winery a couple of years ago. God?s peace to you all!"
"Dear Dianne, Chad, Tim, Kevin and Sheila, Please know my sympathy and healing energies are with you all in this time of your grief. The world is far better because of Mike?s life. Regards...Beth Furlong and Bob Ramaley"
"So sorry to hear of Mike?s passing. He was one of my dad?s favorites at MCC both as a student and an athlete. My fond memories of going to Iowa football games and catching up with Mike him showing us around. Always a warm smile and hello!"
"Fond memories of many basketball games! Glad I was on your team! RIP my friend! Blessings and prayers for your family!"
"Kevin we are sorry to hear of your brothers passing. All of the family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"My sympathy to the Furlong family. Bob Allbee "
"My sympathy to the Furlong family. Bob Allbee "
"Thoughts and prayers for Diane, Chad and the rest of the Furlong family. Tom Randleman Family"
"Sympathy to the entire Furlong family. May memories comfort your hearts. Dyann & dave Roby"