Michael J. King

Michael Joseph King was born in Joliet, IL on July 7, 1970, to Margie (Maes) Niles and Rick King. Mike died in Davenport, IA on March 11, 2022.

A Memorial Service for Mike will be held from 10AM-12PM, Tuesday, 3/22/22, at Trimble Funeral Home, 701 12th St, Moline, IL.

Mike graduated from North High School (1988) and, later, attended Marycrest College, both in Davenport.

Mike loved the arts, specifically music and literature, but he was most passionate about live theatre in the Quad Cities.

As a youngster, he started acting at Davenport’s Junior Theatre, and, after High School, he studied at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City. Upon his return home, and, throughout his life, he continued to participate in many Quad Cities-area Theatre productions.

Mike possessed a vast knowledge of Shakespeare, a subject he truly loved, which lead him to become a major player at The Genesius Guild (Lincoln Park, Rock Island, IL) where he produced, directed and acted in many well-known, and some lesser-known Shakespeare plays, as well as some Greek Dramas and Comedies.

Mike was also the Founder, Artistic Director and Producer for Riverfront Shakespeare, where, most notably, he produced and acted in a theatrical production of Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs”. The play was performed at the beautiful and legendary Capitol Theatre in Downtown Davenport and enjoyed a successful, 2-week run.

Mike was the Design Architect for Shorty’s Bar and Grille in Davenport, and his vision turned the building from a Davenport eyesore into a very beautiful place. Mike was also an Operations Manager for Shorty’s.

An adventurer, Mike also worked one, very tough season on an Alaskan fishing boat in the Bering Sea, although he said, “…never again!”

He found true happiness and love in his last job at The Source Bookstore in Davenport, where he was surrounded by books and music and great people.

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, J. Albert and Joy Maes, and Jim and Lola King, an uncle, Kenny King, and his beloved cousin, Brice Beaman.

Mike is survived by his parents, two daughters, Hannah King and Caitlyn (Josh) Ewing, grandson, Will, brother, Dave, sister, Victoria, and his uncle, Godfather and true friend, Mitch (Linda) Maes.

Mike will be missed very much, but he will be forever remembered by those who loved and stood by him.

William Shakespeare’s words of wisdom:

“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.”

“This above all: to thine own self be true, ...”

May you rest peacefully, Mike. You will be loved, missed, and remembered forever.

Memorials may be made to the family, c/o Margie Niles.