Michael Anthony Flack, age 65, of Durant, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at his home, after an 18-month courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, June 1, at the Durant Community Center. Memorials may be made to Durant Iowa Food Pantry (DIFP) or the National Parks Service. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Mike was born on Dec. 7, 1959, in Peoria, Ill., the son of Blaine and Patricia (McQuinn) Flack, Sr. He graduated from Durant High School in 1978 and graduated from Muscatine Community College welding program. He married Teresa Kappeler on Aug. 9, 1980.
Mike dedicated 34 years of his life to KONE in Coal Valley, Ill., where he began as a certified welder and rose to the role of plant supervisor. His work ethic and expertise were unmatched, and his skills took him across the United States and Canada, troubleshooting complex escalator and moving sidewalk issues. But anyone who knew Mike knows that while he worked hard, he played even harder. He found his greatest joy in the great outdoors — hunting, fishing, hiking, spending time at their acreage in southeast Iowa or simply spending time with family and friends over beers and sharing a pocketful of jokes, including his infamous “Father Nelson Joke.”
Mike was a Durant volunteer firefighter for 10 years and also served as a Boy Scout leader, where he led high-adventure trips to Cloud Peak Wilderness in Wyoming, Chicago Basin in Colorado, and Gatlinburg, Tenn. A proud Chicago Bears fan, Mike never missed a chance to cheer on his team. Above all, Mike cherished time spent with his family and friends. Whether gathered around a fire or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, those moments meant the most to him.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Teresa, their sons, Jacob and John of Durant; and daughter, Meaghan (Tigue) Snider, Coralville; three grandchildren, Kieran, Decklyn and Diem Snider; four sisters, Christine (Larry) Williams, Clovis, Calif., Deb (Tom) Pederson, West Branch, Joan (Art) Whittley, Powell Butte, Ore., and Diane (Mike) Ketelsen, Durant; three brothers, Pat (Teresa) Flack, Savage, Minn., John (Jackie) Flack, Moline, Ill., and Steve (Sheri) Flack, Blue Grass; and 18 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Blaine, Sr. and Patricia; and brothers, Blaine Jr., and his twin, Kevin, Sr.
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