Michael Dee Donlea, age 84, passed away in Lompoc, California on September 26, 2023, from complications of late-stage Alzheimer's Disease. Michael was born in Crookston, Minnesota on May 14, 1939. He grew up in Jesup, Iowa with his four brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Northern Iowa University and began teaching in Lompoc, California in 1969.

Michael was loved and respected by his students, athletes, and friends for his gift of humor and kindness.

After serving in the army, he went on to teach woodworking for a combined 30 years at both Vandenberg Middle School and Lompoc High School. He coached basketball and softball, taught ROP, and enjoyed spending quality time camping and traveling the world in retirement, but he was most proud to be called father and grandfather.

Michael married Rita Donlea, in 1977 and together they raised their four children of whom he was immensely proud. In addition to his own children, he bragged incessantly about his grandchildren whom he considered his greatest gifts.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers Larry and Mort Donlea. He is survived by two sisters Glenda Trower and Sherry Sheets, two brothers; Jerry and Brian Donlea, his wife Rita Donlea; daughters Stefani Biehl, Teresa, Rael, Nicole Mercado, and son Shawn Donlea; grandchildren Ryann Rael, Zachary Biehl, Merek Mercado, Marcus Mercado, and Samantha Biehl. He never lost his love for family, his sense of humor, his spark in his eyes and he will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. His family is deeply saddened to lose "Pops" and all the laughter, guidance, strength, and love he unselfishly gave to his loved ones.

A Memorial Service for Michael will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 10 am, Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 North A Street, Lompoc, California.  A Celebration of Life will follow at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center 1120 W. Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, California from 1-5 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America: https://alzfdn.org/donate and wearing blue in honor of his Celebration of Life would be greatly appreciated.