Michael Paul Rion

Michael Paul Rion, 59, of Cedar Rapids died at home on Sunday, April 13, 2014. Family and friends will gather to remember Michael from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his wife, Sara; his son, Christopher; his stepfather, Earnest Topness; step mother, Daisy Rion Emmack; siblings, Sheryl Doss, Pati (Steve) Williams and Tim (Kim) Rion-Topness; half siblings, Roger Rion and Tonia (Mike) Nickell; and his faithful canine companions, Teddy and Bella who were by his side until the very end. Mike was born on January 14, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, the son of John and Darlene (Sisco) Rion. He graduated from Kennedy High School in 1974, then worked at Farmstead for 15 years and Hy-Vee Food Store for 12 years. On June 14, 2000, he married Sara Gage. Mike was a great cook and enjoyed sharing his methods and recipes with his family and friends. He also enjoyed playing pool and darts. He was preceded in death by his parents. A very special thank you to the many friends and family who visited Mike during his illness, especially his cousin Steve Sisco who was Mike's best friend since childhood and his cousin Brenda Thomsen for her never ending patience, and to all the employees of Hospice Compassus, especially Judy Cornelius who was so dear to Mike. Memorial are suggested to the Salvation Army.