Michael Emil Althaus, born February 16, 1946,  passed away on March 4th, 2026 at the age of 80 after a battle with brain cancer.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Mike was second-born of 8 children to Emil and Penny Althaus.

Mike excelled in academics and was Valedictorian at Wahlert High School. He attended college at Loras and Iowa State, graduating with a Master’s degree in mathematics and statistics. After school, Mike served two tours in Vietnam before returning home with many honors, including a Purple Heart.

Mike started his Professional career at Pratt and Whitney in Connecticut and eventually moved back to Dubuque, where he took a job at John Deere, where he stayed until his retirement.

He met his wife, Charlene (Teo), in Connecticut, and they married in 1975. A son (1977) and a daughter (1980) came next, in addition to a veritable army of cats over the years.

After retirement, Mike drove for DuRide and loved spending time with his beloved cat Mona Lisa and doing crossword puzzles. He enjoyed playing cards, doing yard work, following the Cubs, and watching his favorite TV shows such as Blue Bloods, Last Man Standing, and The Rookie.

Mike is survived by his wife Charlene, son Brett, and daughter Brooke. Also by his siblings Steve (and Pat) Althaus, Nina (and John) Meyer, Tony (and Peg) Althaus, and Nanette (and Chuck Meeker). He also had 4 Godchildren – Angie Noel, Amy LeGrand, Will Meeker, and Jason Kueper.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Emil, mother Penny, and siblings Amy, Andie, and Dave.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to The Special Olympics, DuRide, The Wounded Warrior Project, or The Dubuque Regional Humane Society.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Michael’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.