Michael D. Stopulos

Michael Stopulos, age 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a brief and courageous battle with a rare cancer.

Mike lived a full and generous life, defined by his devotion to family, strong work ethic, and enduring friendships. He faced his illness with strength, dignity, and a sense of humor that never left him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staffs at MercyOne - Genesis Medical Center and Mayo Clinic for their care and support. A very special thank you goes to Dr. Bill Kehoe of Chicago—Mike’s personal physician and lifelong friend—who so thoughtfully helped guide and coordinate his care in his final months, as well as to Mike’s daughter Annie, who acted as his nurse during that time.

Mike was born to Jim and Jeanne Stopulos, whose values shaped the man he became. He grew up in Davenport, attending McKinley Grade School, Sudlow Junior High, and Central High School. He continued his education at the University of Iowa, where he was a walk-on member of the football team—a role he often joked brought him more memories than accolades.

Following college, Mike began his career with Merrill Lynch and later Davenport Bank. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to start several successful endeavors, including a graphics business, Lindsay Industries. Never one to shy away from new opportunities, he also entered the food industry, founding Broadway Bagels and later expanding into Emmanelli’s, a gourmet pizza restaurant that became a local favorite.

In 1999, Mike was lured by his friend Andy Butler into helping grow a new third-party administrator venture, Butler Insurance, from the ground up. True to form, Mike quickly built a tremendous nucleus of devoted clients—many of whom remained with him more than 20 years later. To Mike, these relationships meant far more than business; they were like family. Butler Insurance later merged with Cottingham & Butler, where Mike continued his work with the same passion and dedication, remaining actively involved with his clients up until the final weeks of his life.

In addition to his many business pursuits, Mike most recently found enjoyment as a real estate investor, applying his instincts, discipline, and work ethic to build lasting value over the years.

Mike always said the best thing to ever happen to him was meeting his wife, Mary Fran. They were five days shy of celebrating their 48th anniversary. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, raising six children: Peter (Megan), Emily (Luke), Tim (Maria), Joe (Kristin), Ellie, and Annie. His family was his greatest pride and joy.

Mike was also a proud grandfather to 20 grandchildren: Andrew, Alex, and Eliot (Peter); Cole, Blake, and Grace (Emily); Kate, Luke, Tommy, and Matthew (Tim); Rachel, James, Catherine, Mary, Michael, George, and Christopher (Joe); and Charlie, John, and Joey (Ellie). He cherished each of them deeply and delighted in watching them grow.

Mike’s lifelong love affair with golf brought him countless friendships and unforgettable experiences. He took pride in the game, shooting his age an impressive 12 times from the “big boy” tees—most notably at Spyglass Hill—and recording three holes-in-one along the way.

Above all, Mike will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the businesses he built, and the love he gave so freely.

Mike now rests in the peace of God’s love, reunited with the Lord and his beloved family who went before him. May his life and example continue to inspire those who knew him, and may his family find comfort in the countless memories, love, and faith he leaves behind.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Mike will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4097- 18th Street, Bettendorf. Visitation will be held from 3:30 until 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, 614 N. Main Street, Davenport. At the conclusion of visitation, the Notre Dame Club of the Quad Cities will lead the rosary followed by a time of sharing. There will be additional visitation Thursday at church from 9:30 a.m. until Mass begins. Memorials may be made to The St. Joan of Arc Foundation or The Arc of the Quad Cities Area.