MICHAEL CARL FLADLIEN

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Michael Carl Fladlien, 68, of Muscatine, Iowa, passed away on December 28th, 2025, at Lutheran Living of Muscatine.

Mike was born April 19, 1957, in Bettendorf, Iowa to Carl and Elizabeth Jean (Saelens) Fladlien. He graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1975 where he was a highly decorated wrestler. Mike was able to celebrate his 50th class reunion this fall with many classmates who continued to be dear friends especially after his stroke in 2021. 

After graduation, he attended the University of Northern Iowa where he continued his wrestling career and graduated with a degree in Business Education in 1979. Even after college, wrestling and education would mark the next nearly 40 years.

Mike was hired as a business teacher at Muscatine High School in the early 1980’s. He taught at MHS until 2016 and also spent many years coaching wrestling and mock trial. Known for his crazy antics, passion for his subjects and compassionate care for his students, it’s nearly impossible to be anywhere in town and not run across a former student who has a story about Flad as their teacher or coach. After retirement, Mike kept busy by starting a full time commercial and residential painting business.

Although most known for his teaching, wrestling and many hours working out, Mike was also a bit of a renaissance man always working to improve his skills in art, poetry and economics. He was a published poet, daily crossword solver and proud Dad and Grandpa.

Mike is survived by wife, Kathleen Fladlien; son, Jason (Irina) Fladlien; stepdaughters, Alexandra (Steven) Hand and Tess (Casey) Young; grandchildren, Laney, Max, Macy, Dawson, Eric, Marshall, Cora, Elise and Finley; sisters, Karen (Owen) Miller, Diana Fladlien; and nephew, Adam Miller.

Preceding Mike in death are parents, Carl and Elizabeth Jean Fladlien.

Following a private family funeral, visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, https://cfgm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1265

Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.