Michael “Mike” J. McCarthy, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 16th, 2024 at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque surrounded by his family after a short illness.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 21, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Mike was born in Dubuque, Iowa on February 12, 1952 to Mary Jane Rowe and Justin Patrick McCarthy. After graduation from Dubuque Senior High School, Mike worked at the Dubuque Packing Co., Thermo-Fischer Scientific, Loras College, IBM, and Menards.

Mike enjoyed many years of membership with the YMCA beginning at the Ninth and Iowa location and continuing when the building moved to Dodge Street, especially playing racquetball with friends.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, including with the food pantry at GracePoint Church.  He found joy in cooking many meals with his friend, chef Dick Hantelmann, making popcorn for family in his large popcorn machine, and restoring furniture with his friend, Mike Laugesen.  When T.J. O’Toole needed assistance with projects at O’Toole’s Office Supply, Mike would be the first to volunteer.

Those left to remember and treasure the memories include his wife of 25 years Dixie L. Shaffer, daughters Cindy (Kevin) Weidemann and Shelby (Mark Reyes) Shaffer, his grandchildren, Josh (Kirsten) Weidemann, Lindsey Weidemann, Hannah Weidemann, his great-grandchildren, Eli Weidemann and Drew Weidemann, and his niece, Heather.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David, his brother, Thomas, and his nephew, Matthew.