Mike is a 1962 graduate of Regis High School and is married to his fellow classmate Bev English. They have three daughters who have also graduated from Regis: Tracie, married to Matt Chute, another Regis alumnus; Amy, married to Doug Andersen, also a Regis graduate; and Kristin. Mike was an active booster at Regis. He served as president of the Regis Club from 1984 to 1986. He also served as the longtime PA announcer for girls and boys basketball games. He supported Regis in many, many ways, but chose to do so without a lot of fanfare.Mike was born to Virginia and Francis Valant on March 22, 1944, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and lived there with his family until moving to Cedar Rapids when he was seven years old. He was a graduate of Regis High School in 1962. It was while he was at Regis that he met his future wife, Beverlee "Bev" English. They were united in marriage on April 24, 1965. Mike began his "career" as an apprentice pipe insulator for Taylor Insulation in 1965. He eventually became part owner and good friends with John Nelson, Gary White and Bob "Cappy" Cappurla (deceased). He loved his work, with many of his customers becoming lifelong friends. He retired from Taylor Insulation in May of 2005. Mike was faith-filled, kind, generous to a fault and a bit of a rascal. He had a wonderful and contagious sense of humor. His family was so important to him, taking special pride in each and every one of his grandchildren. He was also very proud of being one of the original "Zach Pack" and enjoyed watching Zach play as long as he was able. A very best day for Mike would be a round of golf with friends, a good cigar, followed by a beer or two. Those who knew Mike will remember the bus trips, the softball team, his annual golf tournament, and of course the famous green bath tub that would show up at every St. Patrick's Day parade. Mike passed away in March of 2014, but is fondly remembered by many in the Regis and Xavier community.