Michael Stephen Maloney

Michael Stephen Maloney, 79, of Westfield, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at his home. He was born on February 27, 1947 to Robert and Marie (Place) Maloney in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Michael was raised in Green Bay and graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1965. He attended the University of Green Bay for one year then transferred to Ripon College, graduating in 1969. Michael attended the University of Kansas for graduate school and earned a Ph.D. in Biology in 1976. He taught biology at Radford University in Virginia from 1976-1982, and then moved to Butler University where he taught from 1982-2013.

Michael married Rita A. Popp in Lawrence, Kansas, on August 4, 1975. His hobbies included woodworking, hiking, camping, raising racing pigeons, playing sports, and model railroading. Michael loved being outdoors, working in the yard, watching his kids play sports, and spending time with his family. One of the joys of Michael's life was doing research on a one-celled pond organism, Stentor Coeruleus. It started in graduate school and continued for his entire academic career.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rita A. Popp; daughters, Tania R. (Darrin) Roberts and Michaela A. (Perry) Whan; son, Patrick M. (Makaila) Maloney; grandchildren, Caleb Roberts, Nathan Roberts, Jordan Roberts, Anna Roberts, Penelope Whan, Loren Whan, Maren Maloney, and Elise Maloney, plus a baby girl due in October; and his brother, Jim (Carrie) Maloney.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Maloney.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with a memorial service at 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, in Noblesville. Pastor Eric Gale will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Noblesville. 1207 Conner Street, Noblesville, IN 46060 (www.fpc-noblesville.org).

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com