John "Ski" Michael Hey

John “Ski” Michael Hey, 80, of Hiawatha, Iowa, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, at his home. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Shueyville Cemetery, Shueyville, Iowa.

John was born on January 12, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Martha (Mergen) Hey. He grew up in a lively and loving household with four brothers and three sisters. John attended St. Patrick Catholic School from 1951 to 1963 and went on to graduate in 1964 as a member of the first graduating class of LaSalle Catholic High School. He continued his education at the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1968, and later returned to earn his Master of Business Administration in 1978. In 1969, John was drafted into the United States Army and served in Germany until his discharge in August 1971. Following his military service, he embarked on an extended backpacking adventure throughout Europe.

After returning to Cedar Rapids, John met the love of his life, Linda Hartley. They were married on May 22, 1976, and shared nearly 50 years of marriage, raising three children: Gina, Nathan, and Carly. Throughout their life together, John and Linda enjoyed traveling across the United States, Europe, and beyond.

In 1977, John began his career as a transportation planner with the Iowa Department of Transportation in Ames, Iowa, retiring in 2007. Following his retirement, the couple returned to Cedar Rapids to help care for Linda’s parents.

John lived a full and meaningful life centered on family, friendships, and the outdoors. He was an avid reader and spent more than 50 years trout fishing in NE Iowa, along with memorable Canadian fishing trips with his “Fishing Team.” He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, golfing, snow skiing, and tending to his vegetable and flower gardens. John was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Hey of Hiawatha; children, Gina (Justin) Grotelueschen, Nathan (Staci) Hey, and Carly Hey; grandchildren, Lucia, Arthur, Lili, and Aubri; siblings, Bob (Sharon) Hey, Mary Hey Finnerty, and Dave (Bev) Hey; and sister-in-law, Jerri Hey. He was known as Uncle John to many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Martha Hey; and his siblings, Donald (Helen) Hey, Bernice (Theron) Gordon, Dorothy (Lewis W.) Hill, and Jim E. Hey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial fund to the Indian Creek Nature Center or donate directly at www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org.