Michael James Menard, aka Mike, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Lotawana, Missouri, on July 8, 2025, at the age of 79 due to acute kidney failure.
He lived a life full of adventure, helping others, and loving his family and community.
Mike’s journey—from a spirited boy in Kankakee, Illinois, to a respected riverboat captain and devoted father—touched countless lives and left an enduring legacy.
Born on September 24, 1945, in Denver, Colorado, to Madora and Raphael Menard, Mike moved with his family to Kankakee, Illinois, where his grandparents and extended family resided.
He always considered Kankakee his true childhood home. As a young boy, Mike was full of energy, playing with his siblings and neighborhood friends.
He loved his paper route, which gave him a sense of independence, and spent countless hours exploring his hometown.
One of his favorite fun was swimming in the Kankakee River and local creeks, where he would float and dream of one day captaining a boat—a dream that would later define his life.
This excellence marked Mike’s high school years in Kankakee as a multi-sport athlete.
He shone in wrestling, cross-country, track, and diving, earning admiration for his dedication and competitive spirit.
His athleticism wasn’t just about winning; it was about pushing himself to be his best, a trait that carried through his entire life.
After high school, Mike attended Olivet Nazarene College, where he met his first wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Flom.
His college years were cut short when he felt the call to serve his country during the Vietnam War.
Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force as a signal operator, a role in which he took immense pride.
He often spoke of his time as a veteran with honor, cherishing the opportunity to serve.
A Growing Family And New Beginnings
In 1966, Mike and Betty welcomed twin sons, Michael and Patrick.
Soon after, Mike transitioned to the Air Force Reserves and moved his family to Minnesota, where he worked for Burlington Northern Railroad.
Life took a new turn when Mike and Betty divorced, prompting him to relocate to Kansas City to live with his brother David.
It was there that he met his second wife, Mary Surprenant.
In 1975, they welcomed their son, Brad, and settled on the picturesque Lake Lotawana, next door to David.
Mike often called the lake and his brother his “home port,” a place where he felt truly anchored.
After his marriage to Mary ended, Mike pursued his childhood dream of working on the water.
He joined the Mississippi Queen paddlewheel cruise boat as a storeroom manager, but his ambition pushed him further.
He switched to working as a deckhand to accumulate the hours needed to qualify for his United States Coast Guard First Mate license, setting the stage for his ultimate goal: becoming a licensed riverboat captain.
In 1980, Mike’s life took another joyful turn when he met Rebecca “Becki” Stewart, the recreation director on the Mississippi Queen.
Their connection was instant, and they married in a heartfelt backyard ceremony at Becki’s childhood home in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
That same year, Mike achieved his dream, becoming the captain of the Creole Queen, docked in New Orleans for the World’s Fair.
This marked the beginning of a distinguished career as a riverboat captain, navigating vessels across multiple states and waterways.
Mike’s career as a captain took him to the Colonel Riverboat in Galveston, Texas, the Queen of Clarksville in Tennessee, and the Mississippi Belle, which cruised between Davenport and Dubuque, Iowa.
He also served as Director of Marine Operations for the Lady Luck riverboat in Bettendorf and captained Jumer’s Riverboat and the Celebration Belle in the Quad Cities.
Mike loved working on passenger vessels, often joking that he preferred the scent of perfume to diesel fumes from towboats.
His passion for the rivers and the people he met along the way made every journey a joy.
A Devoted Father And Community Member
In 1994, Mike and Becki welcomed their son Jacques Pierre (J.P.), followed by Andre Francois in 1996.
Mike was a hands-on father, homeschooling his sons at one point and supporting their involvement in school activities, sports, and the Boy Scouts. Both J.P. and Andre earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a source of immense pride for Mike.
He cherished taking them on canoe trips down the Iowa and Cedar rivers, hiking in the Grand Canyon, and exploring destinations like Mount Rushmore and Disneyland on family road trips.
Mike’s love for adventure extended to his personal life.
A lifelong athlete, he enjoyed running the Bix 7 Race in Davenport and participating in the Father’s Day Ride the River, a multi-state bike ride, with his sons.
He was an avid reader, devouring magazines such as Time and Newsweek, and staying informed about current events.
Mike also loved engaging in lively political discussions with friends and family, always with a twinkle in his eye and a quick-witted joke.
Community was at the heart of Mike’s life. For years, he and Becki, along with J.P. and Andre, served at the Salvation Army’s “Share a Meal” program through Christ Methodist Church in Davenport.
They also helped transport donated food to the local pantry and worked at the church’s food booth at the county fair.
Mike’s commitment to the Boy Scout troop at Adams Elementary School was unwavering, as he assisted with weekly meetings, campouts, and adventures.
Together with Becki, Mike ran Kids Crew, a children’s resale store in Davenport, for 15 years.
He was a steadfast supporter of Becki’s educational journey, cheering her on as she earned her master’s degrees and National Board Certification as a teacher.
Mike’s Sense Of Humor Was Legendary
He loved telling jokes and watching TV shows about history, musicals like Chicago, survival adventures like Naked and Afraid, and gold mining.
His laughter was infectious, and his warmth made everyone feel at home.
Above all, Mike was immensely proud of his five sons—Michael, Patrick, Brad, J.P., and Andre—and the remarkable men they became.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Madora Menard, his brothers Richard and David, and his sister JoAnn.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Becki, his sons, his girlfriend Christian Raab, who was also a dedicated caregiver, and his many grandchildren, who will carry his memory forward.
Michael James Menard’s life was one of purpose, passion, and love.
From the rivers he navigated to the family he cherished, Mike lived fully and left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
Mike’s humor, kindness, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
As his family and friends gather to celebrate his life, they honor a man who was not only a captain on the water but a guiding light on land.
