Dr. Michael J. McNulty

Dr. Michael J. McNulty went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by loved ones, on September 2nd, succumbing to the vile disease that is Alzheimer’s. 

Mike McNulty, the eldest of Richard “Dick” and Ramona (DeBruyne) McNulty’s five children, was born June 1st, 1948, a date which humored him the self-proclaimed title of “June’s Fool.” 

In 1966, Mike graduated from Alleman High School and enrolled in Blackhawk College, eventually transferring to the University of New Mexico on a wrestling scholarship. Soon after, being drafted into the United States’ Army, his studies were halted. However, upon completion of his military service, Mike busily worked at Farmall and pursued a completely new career: chiropractic. 

Dr. McNulty began his studies of chiropractic as a simple interest in wanting to learn about the human body and planning to only adjust friends and family. Yet following graduation, he soon found himself being requested to join Palmer College of Chiropractic as a faculty instructor. After close to thirty years both teaching and maintaining his private practice, Dr. McNulty left Palmer to focus solely on caring for his patients, then fully retired altogether in 2016, completing four decades of chiropractic care. 

Mike loved bringing a smile to others, whether telling goofy jokes, singing silly songs that no one could come close to matching his enthusiasm for, or playfully greeting fellow church goers every Sunday, a duty he undertook with great zeal. 

He was also an avid reader and lover of books, plowing through a vast library of them, reading to his children well into their high school years, and maintaining quite the collection himself. If you knew Mike, he probably had recommended, offered, or bought you a book at some point, most likely on multiple occasions. 

Mike McNulty had a true servant’s heart and love for his Savior, which translated into faithful and meticulous maintenance of the church prayer list, always a printed copy with him, scribbled on with notes and updates, and tucked into his Bible for use during his early morning personal prayer time, underscoring his unwavering commitment to “help people.”

Mike fathered three daughters with his only and “favorite wife” Tia and was never short of groan-inducing dad jokes, gentle guidance, and a kind approach. His favorite role, though, was grand-fatherhood, frequently sneaking his grandchildren ice cream or chocolate, paired with his silly affections and vigorous teasing, fully endearing himself to them. 

Mike’s light and life began to dim and slow years ago in such slight degrees that those close to him were unsure if he was being his playful self, or if there truly was an issue. As things progressed, he maintained his agreeable and good-hearted nature but with stifled concern from those around him. 

In his final state, things progressed more quickly than anticipated, and dear Mike was still lovely while unable to stay in the present with us. He will be sorely missed, with many amazing memories to pick from. Those left to cherish these memories include his wife Tia; the four daughters they shared: Suzanne (Brian) Frey, Cypriane (Lee) Duncan, Kelly (Alex) Shoulders, and Katy (Billy) Willis; his siblings: Gary (Judy) McNulty, Laurie (George) Kozlik, Colleen (Robert) Whittington, Angie (Jerry) Weimer; his grandchildren: Will, Ben, Brooke, Evelynn, Keegan, Reagan, Lorelai, and Elliott; a close cousin: Pam Anderson; school friends: Luz Montez, Rick Wyffels, and Johnny Esser; many nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends and former patients. 

Mike’s family would like to thank WoodRidge Geneseo, Bickford Cottage Moline, Davenport Lutheran Home, UnityPoint Bettendorf, and dear friend Mary Coram for the varying degrees of support they have given Mike during his journey. Memorials may be made to the local Alzheimer’s association at 1225 E. River Drive, Suite 130, Davenport, IA 52803, attention Megan Olson, or online at https://www.alz.org/iowa/helping_you?form=FUNYWTPCJBN.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday September 9, 2024, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m. Sunday September 8, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will be the Rock Island National Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted. 

Be sure to know, Mike has joined a new church welcoming committee, and will be most enthusiastic in his new role: 1 Thess. 4:13-18, John 16:22, Rom. 6:5,8 

Memories may be shared at esterdahl.com.