Michael Thibodeaux

Michael “Mike” Thibodeaux, 76, of Davenport, passed away November 25, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport. A lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan, he leaves behind a legacy painted in black and gold. A season ticket holder for nearly 50 years, he rarely missed a home game. One last tailgate party will be held from 10am – 1pm on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. In honor of his passion for the Hawkeyes, the family invites attendees to wear black and gold as they gather to celebrate his life. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the family (Frances Thibodeaux)

Michael Ted Thibodeaux was born October 11, 1949, in Davenport to Theodore “Ted” and Marlene “Happy” (Powell) Peterson. He was united in marriage to Frances Cashin on February 14, 1983. They have been married for 42 years and he loved her very much!! And they raised 6 wonderful children together! He had 2 children with Alana McCubbin, Stacey and Marcus!

Mike or “Moose” as he was known, retired from Oscar Mayer after 39 years of service.

Known for his great sense of humor, although Facebook occasionally begged to differ. Mike had a way of making people laugh even on their hardest days. Beneath his jokes was a truly big heart. He was generous in the quiet ways that mattered most and always put his family at the center of his world. He shared a particularly close bond with his granddaughter Jessica Williams, strengthened by the difficult journey they walked together through cancer. Their shared resilience, love, and support forged a connection that meant the world to him.

He enjoyed simple pleasures: spending time with loved ones, swapping stories, and trying his luck with the lottery, forever hopeful that the next ticket might be “the one.”

Survivors include his wife Frances; son Marcus Thibodeaux of Bettendorf; daughters Stacey (Charles) Smith of Chattanooga, TN, Tina (Greg) Sims-Steinbeck of Cedar Falls, IA, Sherry Upton of North Liberty, IA; grandchildren Ethan (Kayla) Smith, Michael (Kristina) Sexton, Mia Palen, Joshua (Nicole) Upton, Jessica (Dillon) Williams;18 great grandchildren; mother Marlene “Happy” Peterson of Moline; sisters Karen (George) Miklas of LeClaire, Susan Etheridge of Moline; and good friend Robin McGraw of Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his son Melvin “Dale” Sims II, father Ted Thibodeaux, stepfather Jerry Peterson, and son Charles Sims.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.