Michael Robert Hathaway-Madison, 58, of Nevada, Iowa, died June 25, 2022, at his home in Nevada.

Mike was born Oct. 29, 1963, in Nevada, Iowa, the son of Robert Carroll and Janice Kay (Haley) Hathaway. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1982 and attended Luther College. Mike was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nevada. He had been a chef at Indian Creek Country Club in Nevada and was most recently working for ISU Dining.

Mike loved to entertain family and friends. Many would look forward to the yearly luau that he and his husband, Brad, would host at the “Hathison Hacienda”. At last year’s event, Mike and Brad surprised all their guests and were married on July 31, 2021, after spending 15 years together. One of the happiest days of Mike’s life was when he received his new smile.

Mike loved purple, fountains, and flowers. He looked forward to Christmas each year, displaying over 3000 snowmen he had collected. Mike enjoyed a good glass of wine and telling a good “dad joke.” He was an excellent musician, and while in high school he sang in the state chorus and was first chair saxophone for all four years. Mike was accomplished in playing the piano and during his time at Luther College, he played in the Luther Band before earning a spot in the Nordic Choir. Mike knew lots of Broadway musicals and was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby, playing golf, and traveling to national bowling tournaments. As a chef, Mike had many coveted recipes and occasionally he might share it with a close friend. He was a very passionate supporter of the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Mike had the ability to bring joy wherever he was and will be remembered for his warm and inviting personality.

Mike is survived by his husband, Brad of Nevada; his mother, Jan Hathaway of Nevada; his children, Brittney (Ryan) Mathre of Madrid, Zabrina (Jake) Plager of Cambridge, Nathan (Raven) Madison of Madrid and Clarissa (Jesse) Luther of Luther; his sister, Lori Hathaway-Millard (Bryan Ferichs) of Bristow; his sister-in-law, Kristen Fagen-Street of Ankeny; his grandchildren: Braylee, Bella and Rylin Mathre, Reagan and Lucas Plager, Lincoln, Hattie and Corbin Madison, Hagen, Jager and Lettie Mae Luther; his nieces, Caitlin Fagen and Brooklyn Street; his nephew, Nickolas Fagen; and his beloved dogs, Diablo and Buddy. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Hathaway; his paternal grandparents, Millard and Esther Hathaway; and his maternal grandparents, Oliver and Maxine Haley.

A funeral service was held June 30, 2022, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada with Pastor Mike Albert officiating. Cremation followed the service. In celebrating Mike’s life, those in attendance were asked to wear purple or something Iowa Hawkeyes. A luncheon will follow the service at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (250 E Avenue) in Nevada.

Donations can be made at www.rasmussonfh.com, click on Mike’s photo then Tribute Fund. Donations can also be made directly to the funeral home. All donations will be used to help defray funeral expenses.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.