Michael Mutchler
June 13, 2013
Michael “Mike” Mutchler, 61, of Ankeny, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2013, in Kennesaw, Georgia. Services will be Thursday, June 20, 2013, at 9:30 a.m., at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. The family will greet friends Wednesday, June 19, 2013, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.
Mike was born August 2, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Anna Mae (Lint) Mutchler and the late Theodore Mutchler, Jr. Mike attended North High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. After being honorably discharged and retiring from the Army, he received the Bronze Star. He went to work for the Army Aviation Support Facility based in Boone, Iowa. He was a helicopter mechanic specializing in Hueys and Blackhawks, and was known as “Dog” by all his coworkers. Mike ended up serving his country a total of 28 years. He was currently employed with Mediacom of Des Moines. Mike loved to work on cars with his sons. Fishing and target shooting were among some of his hobbies. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Cheerio and Daisy, and his “granddaughter” Keeli.
Mike was looking forward to retirement, moving closer to his daughter, and traveling around the country. He loved his family very much. He was generous and willing to help anyone that needed it. He always had a great story to tell, whether it was fact or fiction.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Crystal Mutchler (Bram Farmer) of Marietta, GA; sons, David Mutchler of Ankeny, IA, and Aaron Mutchler of Sumner, IA. Michael is also survived by his mother, Anna Mae Mutchler of Des Moines, IA; companion, Beth Wilson of Ankeny, IA; sisters, Rae Hergenrader (Eddie) of Cushing, WI, Randi Hutchinson (Richard) of Waukee, IA, Debra Mutchler (Mark Johnson) of Des Moines, IA, and Marcy Schacht (Hans) of Mansfield, IL; brother, Daniel Mutchler (Silvia Fisher) of Jacksonville, FL; 15 nieces and nephews; and 24 great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Riders.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Randi (Mutchler) Hutchinson
06/25/2013
I want to personally thank all of you who wrote condolences and took the time to come honor my brother. Mike was unique as you all know and our family deeply misses him. Those who mention his friendship with Judd should know Mike carried Judd's Obituary in his wallet since Judd's death. It truly had an impact on Mike losing his childhood friend. Once again thank you all for your support at a time when we all needed it the most.
Mary Belieu
06/20/2013
Randi and familly,
I can't express the sadness I feel in my heart for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am here for you anytime. Hugs to all of you.
Mare
Linda Andersen
06/19/2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I am so shocked. Just saw him a couple of weekends ago and thought he was doing great. Now he will be in heaven with Judd Moon. God help us all . I will truly miss you Mike. Loved you with all my heart.
Julie Renzo-Naylor
06/19/2013
Randi, Debbie & Family, Im so sorry for your loss. At this time you will have all kinds of emotions, but remember that all of you have all your memories of him tucked in your hearts to stay. Give Mom my condolences please. Thinking of all of you.
Shonna Avery
06/19/2013
Mike I know we just got to meet a few years ago , I was so very happy u excepted me right away if I had only known earlier in life I had a cousin like u we probably would have got in some trouble together just know I love u n will miss u very much
Doug & Susan Kratz
06/18/2013
We are very sorry for your loss! We were not only shocked when we got the news of Mike's passing, but saddened as well. I worked with Mike at the Guard for many years and he was a good friend as well! He was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Lori Murga
06/18/2013
I knew Mike through Heartland Greyhound and was always entertained when he and Cheerio came to our meet n greets. He loved all the greyhounds and always teased me that I'd better "let me take that dog of yours, she's no good! You don't want her!" Then he'd just grin at me.
Mike, we will miss you greatly! You watch over all the greyhounds on your side until we meet again.
CARL & DONNA NOFTSGER
06/18/2013
Mike we will miss you there was only one mike made we had a lot of fun when where kids hanging around mingo and des moines
anna and the rest of the family we are sorry for your loss
god bless
Denise Myers
06/18/2013
I first met Mike when he came to my home as a Mediacom Service Man. He immediately greeted my Greyhound and then we talked greyhounds the entire time while his partner did all of the work. We would then run into each other at Heartland Greyhound Adoption Meet and Greets where he would bring his beloved Cheerio to show her off. Mike always took my dog, Sirius, for a walk around the store hoping Sirius would be less crabby towards his friends. He will be missed by the greyhounds here on Earth, but I am sure he will be greeted by the greyhounds in Heaven.Rest in Peace My Friend, Rest in Peace.
Dana McCarthy
06/18/2013
I am so sorry for your loss.
Roberta Randall
06/18/2013
This is so painful. Mike WAS a great guy and came from a wonderful, fun and loving family. I remember the great times we had with the Mutchler family and all the laughs. Debra has been like a sister to me for much of my life and my heart breaks for her loss and for the entire family. He left way too soon. Blessings to all of you. He will be watching out for you all and telling his tales up in heaven! He was one in a zillion!
Katelyn Johnson (daughter of paul johnson)
06/16/2013
So sorry for your loss, our family is thinking of you during this difficult time.