John Paine

John Michael “Mike” Paine, 73, of Reinbeck, passed away at Grundy County Memorial Hospital on Friday, December 8, 2023. He was born in Charles City on August 15, 1950, son of John O. and Marilyn Jean (Shoemaker) Paine. Mike graduated from Orange High School with the Class of 1968. In May 1970, he was inducted into the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in January 1972. Mike worked for Young Plumbing & Heating for 45 years, retiring in 2014. He met Debra Ann Johnson on a blind date and they courted for 4-1/2 years before surprising family, friends and coworkers by eloping in 1982.

Mike was preceded in death by his father; mother; step-father, Roger Neebel and step-mother, Donna Paine. He is survived by his wife; their children: Andrew (Esther) Paine, of Urbandale, and Laura (John) Greiner, of Reinbeck; 4 grandchildren: Sidney and Louis Paine and Emmy and Jax Greiner; siblings: Jim, Mark, Kelly and Sandy and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Per Mike’s wishes, his family held a private gathering in his honor. He will be buried at Reinbeck Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the hospice of donor’s choice or the Cedar Bend Humane Society.

Mike enjoyed connecting with friends over a coffee or a beer. He was a handy man who liked to help his friends with their projects. Mike was a gentle man who would give the shirt off of his own back to help anyone. He proudly helped to honor his fellow Veterans by serving on the honor guard with the American Legion Post 242. Mike rescued many dogs through the years and was a faithful caretaker who rarely wandered far from home. Above all else, Mike loved being with his family and is described fondly as a very hands-on grandfather.