Michael “Mike” John Sleeper, 79, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport, Iowa, with his beloved daughter by his side.

Born on November 14, 1946, in Clinton, Iowa, Mike was the son of Clifford and Phyllis (Westensee) Sleeper. Though his family roots were in Delmer, he made his grand entrance in the Clinton hospital due to his size, earning him the lifelong title of the "runt of the family."

Directly after graduating Rock Island High School, Mike joined the Navy Reserves. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, stationed aboard the amphibious ship, the USS Boxer LPH-4.

Following his military service, Mike worked at Oscar Mayer. In 1988, he began working in the mailroom at Palmer College of Chiropractic as a mail delivery clerk, a position he held for many years. While his official title was clerk, his family often joked that his real job was campus gossip.

On April 11, 1986, Mike married Connie Jean White in Tucson, Arizona. He was a man of simple pleasures who loved his dogs, his family, and participating in his local bowling league when he was active. He also enjoyed watching Western movies, NCIS, and Perry Mason.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Sleeper; his four daughters, Stephanie Mangels, Ingrid Goode, Vera Coy (Joe Draven), and Michelle West (William); his four grandchildren, Dr. Brittany Conley (Ronald), Chadd Zeug, James West, and Devery “William” Mangels (Madison Hensley); and his five great-grandchildren, Serenity Bermoy, Chase Bermoy, Destiny Craddock, Damian Conley, and Juniper Hensley-Mangels. He also leaves behind three sisters, Sharon (Brian) Milne, Mary Meumann, and Beverly “Bev” Cole.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Phyllis, and his siblings, Betty Sleeper Bollman, Clifford "Bud" Sleeper, and Hope Sleeper Schroeder.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Davenport, Iowa. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service. Burial with military honors will take place after the luncheon at Rock Island National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in Mike’s honor.