Obituary Michael Joseph "Mike" Athey, 55, of Washington, IL, passed away at 12:09 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL, with his family by his side. Mike was born August 28, 1960, in Council Bluffs, IA to Joseph and Thana (Poulos) Athey. He married Wende Reeser on May 31, 2000, in Clayton, MO. He is survived by his wife, Wende; father, Joe Athey of Council Bluffs, IA; brother, Jeff Athey and his wife Kris of Crescent, IA; two nephews, Scott Athey and his fiance, Jamie, of Crescent, and David Athey of Crescent; mother-in-law, Helga Stoner of Funkstown, MD; father-in-law, Daniel Reeser, Jr. and his wife, Sandy, of Waynesboro, PA; sister-in-law, Janis Reeser of Funkstown; extended family and friends, and his beloved dogs, Jewel and Buddy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Thana, and his grandparents. Mike graduated from Lewis Central Community High School, in Council Bluffs, in 1978. He majored in mathematics and economics at Creighton University, graduating summa cum laude in 1982. He went on to earn his master's degree and his Ph.D. in economics from Washington University in St. Louis. Mike taught economics for many years at several schools, including Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Northern Illinois University, Kalamazoo College, and his alma mater, Wash U. He worked as an economist at Caterpillar Inc., having joined the company in 2000. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Rams fan, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family and friends. Mike's family would like to thank the staff at OSF St. Francis Medical Center for their care and support. The family will receive guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2016, at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be held in Council Bluffs at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Ataxia Foundation, Pets For Seniors, The A.R.K. No Kill Animal Shelter, or TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter. Visitation JUL 1. 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory - Washington 2075 Washington Road Washington, IL, US, 61571 Service JUL 1. 07:00 PM Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory - Washington 2075 Washington Road Washington, IL, US, 61571