Michael Blaine Lally
Michael Blaine Lally
Michael Blaine Lally
August 30, 1974 – July 9, 2022
Oxford (Barnes City), Iowa | Age 47
Michael Blaine Lally, 47, of Oxford and formerly of Barnes City passed away on Saturday, July 9,2022 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Michael Blaine Lally was born August 30, 1974 in Des Moines, to Theodore Michael and Valerie Jean King Lally. Within three years, he became the big brother to Whitney Dawn and Jerad Denton. Michael
was a very happy little boy who was adored by his grandparents and Aunt B. On July 18, 1984, Michael
gained his dad, James McCulley, along with two more siblings, James Nathan and Heather Renee.
Michael’s contagious smile and mischievous manner often led him to trouble or trouble finding him.
Michael attended Tri-County Community Schools from Kindergarten until graduation with the class of 1992. He
was active in sports and had many friends as well as lifelong mentors with some very special teachers.
Baseball was his favorite sport and it fostered his love for the St. Louis Cardinals.
While in high school, he also worked various part-time jobs where he learned the value of working hard, while having fun
doing it. His outgoing personality led him to a career working outdoors with his friends, where he enjoyed finishing concrete driveways and patios. Michael worked for various construction companies throughout his career before starting his own business, MBL Construction in 2020.
Michael loved to have a good time with friends and you could often find him on the golf course or playing bags. He enjoyed spending time at or around Kinnick Stadium in the fall and Busch Stadium in the summer. His latest hobby was driving his RZR with friends and they recently took a memorable trip to Arkansas.
Michael and Wendy Strong welcomed Tyler Michael Lally into the world on September 2, 1996. His new title became “DAD”. Tyler was his pride and joy, and they became the dynamic duo. Michael coached baseball and attended Tyler’s numerous activities. They also enjoyed golfing together as well as attending Cardinal Baseball games and tailgating at Hawkeye Football games.
October 20, 2021 brought about a new title for Michael. He was promoted to “GRANDPA” when Jacquelyn Gerleman and Tyler blessed Michael with one of his most precious gifts, Brecken Michael Lally. Michael absolutely LOVED his grandson and spoiled him every chance he had.
Michael will be remembered for his many friends, his huge heart, and his giving spirit. He never knew a stranger and the gift of gab was one of his finer qualities. He was loved by all and he loved everyone.
Those left to honor his memory are his son, Tyler (& Jacque) Lally; grandson, Brecken; his parents, James and Valerie McCulley of Barnes City, and Ted and Nancy Lally of Grimes, Iowa. Siblings: Whitney Bunn of Gibson, Nathan (& Alexa) McCulley of Marshalltown, Jerad (& Kate) Lally of Johnston and Heather (& Phillip) Hunt of Guthrie Center; Nieces and Nephews: Benjamin, Elijah, and Gabriel Bunn, Lincoln, Maleigha, Zepplin, Skyann, and Sahara McCulley, Isaac and Oliver Lally, and Wendell, Harlie, and Alveda Hunt. His Aunt Mary (& Loren) Schmidt of Keswick and cousins Amber (& Josh) Miller and Eleanor of Indianola, Lynea (& Chris) Gehrking – Ava and Anna of Keswick, Brooke Schmidt of Des Moines, and Catherine Schmidt of Minneapolis. Also 5 McCulley Uncles: Kenny (& Gayle), Randy (& Kathy), Andy (Anne) John (Jane) Tim (Brenda), and
NUMEROUS cousins. Aunt Francine (& Ron) George of Keswick and cousins John and Tina. Michael will be missed by many more caring friends and relatives.
Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Hollis and Dorothy King; and paternal grandparents Harlan and Barbara McCulley and Theodore and Naomi Lally. Matthew McCulley (cousin) and Brian Kitzman (lifelong friend) opened their arms and ushered him home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 15,2022 beginning at 10:30 am at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 14, beginning at noon with the family present from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.
Burial will be held privately in the Sixteen Cemetery near Thornburg.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Holland-Coble Funeral Home of What Cheer is in charge of the arrangements.
