Michael Allen Noyes

Michael Allen Noyes was born in Omaha, Nebraska on September 23, 1953 to Edward (Allen) and Pat (Walz) Noyes. He grew up in Valley, Nebraska on the family farm, working with his Grandparent’s truck gardening business (Wayside Farms) and later with his parent’s apple orchard. He graduated from Valley High School in 1971. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Moctobii. While serving, he was stationed in Hawaii and grew to love the islands, exploring the beaches and beautiful botanical varieties. Following his service, he attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, majoring in horticulture sciences. Putting his background and education to work, he managed an apple orchard outside Nebraska City, then moved on to Denver, Colorado to manage Ken Caryl Ranch which included thousands of acres of native plants and grasses. He developed an excellent reputation for his landscape designs and was featured on a local TV channel “Noyes from the Garden”. Though he loved his Colorado work and the friendships he developed, he returned to the Valley area to be close to his aging parents and family. He worked independently with several estates in the surrounding areas and helped with the family apple orchard and truck gardening business. He loved talking with customers, haggling and educating on his products. Mike was a lifelong aficionado of music, surrounding himself with concert loving friends, traveling, when able, to many memorable concerts. A loyal fan of the Grateful Dead and many other bands, he could recall each band member, every concert playlist and had many colorful anecdotes. Mike loved his family above all else. He enjoyed family gatherings and the delicious foods that were a part of them, almost always including his famous guacamole for picnics or oyster stew at holidays. Mike was a loyal uncle to Craig and John, cheering them on in sports and life, helping in times of need and always encouraging them in their life endeavors. Later, his grandnephews were loved deeply with Gator rides, playful moments, and spoiled frequently with prize toy finds, much to their delight. Mike had lifelong friendships with many people. His annual trips to Lake Angostura or Colorado to reunite with friends were some of his fondest memories. Mike was always there to lend a helping hand, shoot the breeze or spend time with friends around a bonfire. Mike had faced difficult health issues during the last several years. His nephew, Craig, shared “One of my favorites but most difficult to reflect upon memories of Uncle Mike was his battle with Stage 4 cancer over a decade ago. During the many treatments, I had trouble keeping faith that he would beat it. After listening to numerous dire diagnoses and hard to stomach Google searches, it just seemed nearly impossible. However, Mike never gave up on that battle, even in the hardest of times, and keeping that attitude gave me courage that we can overcome any challenge, no matter what the statistics say. He was a truly resilient, generous, family-oriented person and a great Uncle, Son, Brother and friend. Mike passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 with family and friends at his side. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Michael was preceded in death by his parents. Allen and Patricia Noyes. He is survived by his brother, Edward and Jerrie Noyes of Fairfield, IA; sister, Kathy and Ron Keiser of Waterloo, NE; nephews: Craig and Autumn Keiser, Brayton, IA; John and Chelsea Keiser, Omaha NE and grand-nephews: Huxley and Tucker Keiser, Brayton, IA and many other relatives and friends.

Michael Allen Noyes

September 23, 1953 - October 15, 2025