Michael A. Carter
September 09, 2013
Michael Anthony Carter, 61, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones Monday, September 9, 2013. He was born April 28, 1952, to R.C. Carter and MaeOla Steward in Des Moines.
Michael worked as Human Resources Manager for the City of Des Moines. Michael was a proud brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He enjoyed spending time with his family, riding horses, and had a love for his extended family of farm animals. He was an avid gardener.
He is survived by his mother, MaeOla Steward; brother, DeWayne (Betty) Wease; daughters, Theresa (Arnel Dubinovic) Hanson, Tracey (Narcus) Piper, and Alexandra Gaffney-Peden; son, Aaron Peden; as well as his grandchildren, Destinae, Charles, Tyler, Jakob, and Olivia.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, R.C. Carter, and sister, Cecilia Steward.
Funeral Services will be held 1 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2013, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery. Friends may visit with family from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Michael.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Chris
09/19/2013
I knew Michael from my days at the YMCA. He was always a very kind and friendly presence in the weight room. I would see him over the years and always enjoyed my limited time around him. Michael even helped me out of a tight spot one night by his thoughtfulness and quick thinking by "saving" me from a rowdy crowd at a bar he was tending years ago. Since that time I have referred to him as my "lifesaver" and that always brought a smile to his face. I will miss knowing Michael is no longer with us.
Karen (K)
09/13/2013
Mike and I have been friends for 46 years. Everyone he would meet he made them feel special, he gave people his full attention. He loved to laugh and live life. He was a good friend and I loved him as a friend, I will miss him the world will not be the same without him. I am sorry for his families loss as well, my sweet girl, sweet baby, pretty girl, handsome man and sweet stuff, you know who you are and Auntie loves you all a whole bunch of love
Jeanette Borgerding
09/13/2013
Dear Carter Family,
Michael became a friend of mine at North High School in the year 1969. He was a kind and gentle person who looked for the good in other people. I remember that he was soft spoken, respectful and loved his parents. I just recently reconnected with friends of mine from Des Moines who shared the sad news of Michael's passing and am deeply saddened that I will never have the opportunity to reconnect with this wonderful man. The Carter Family has my deepest sympathies. May God bless and keep you all.
Sincerely,
Jeanette Borgerding
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Linda Voegtlin Peterson
09/13/2013
Mike always loved my cinnamon rolls. What a loss...he was a true gentle man...one of a kind!
Kim
09/13/2013
I have many memories that I will treasure forever. We shared a bond that was and could never be broken. I will love and miss you forever. God Bless and forever be with your daughters and your grandchildren.
Jan Mickelson
09/12/2013
Mike and I did many fitness classes together at the "Y"... We had many interesting conversations about many things. I will miss him.
Warren Riekenberg
09/12/2013
I read the news of Mike's untimely passing with extreme regret. He was one of the really outstanding people at our workplace, and a good friend as well. His memory will always remain bright and clear.
Sophie Pargas Vlassis
09/12/2013
I was Mike's 7th grade geography teacher at Warren Harding Jr. High. From the first day I had him in class, we became instant friends---always polite and always with a big smile :-). I recall you as being an extremely supportive parent who was determined to make Mike succeed. And succeed he did---thanks to you.
After he left Harding, we continued to keep in contact, but more so when he started working for the City of Des Moines. I was so proud when he was hired to work in the Human Resources Dept. Whenever I would see him at City Hall, he would greet me with a smile and a hug. All the young ladiesswould envy the fact that such a good looking guy was giving me hugs. When I read in his obituary that he had a love for farm animals, I recall that he would stop by my room after school, and would sit there making animal sounds---his favorite one being the "moo" of a cow. I know that he will be missed by many, and even though he was too young to leave, his accomplishments were many. I am certain that you must be very proud of him, and I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May his memory be eternal.
Margaret McCartan
09/12/2013
I worked with Mike many years ago and will always treasure his friendship, My heartfelt sympathy to his family and many friends.
Nephew Bobby Carter
09/12/2013
My heart pours out for the family of Michael Carter. I remember growing up, he always taking us to horse ride, camping and go to the water works park. Michael taught me many things in life. I so much wish I could have had the oppourtunily to say goodbye Uncle Michael Carter but I pray our loving Father in heavenly will guarantee as well as the GUARANTEE to resurreet our loved ones back to life on Earth. I want to share and give comfort for Michael Carter's children, family and friends who loves Michael Carter, the Bible scripture John 5:28, 29 Jesus himself said; " The hour is comming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear My voice and come out" Meaning we will see them again and able to hug the loved ones, no more sick no more suffer snd will live our life forever... So we now can look forward seeing loved ones again.
Cindy and Mitch Williams
09/12/2013
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Michael Anthony. May your hearts find some comfort by the outpouring of people that knew and loved him. He touched so many in ways that are now just being realized. There are people in our lives that leave such a hand print on our hearts and souls. Michael was one of those people to us. We had a visit with him at the ranch less than two weeks ago. I now cherish that time with him and am ever grateful that I thought to take a picture of him and my husband. We went to his wonderful garden and picked bags of produce to bring home. He sent us home with some of his farm fresh eggs from his chickens too. (Best eggs ever). He was so happy to be retired and talking about all the things he wanted to do with his life. He loved his animals more than any person I've ever known. He had so many chickens, horses, cattle and his hunting dogs too. And then Max and Greta, his sweet puppies loved him so. My eyes were looking around the house and how I loved the western decor. Hats of every color, saddles, ropes, lamps, paintings, blankets. I asked about a Rodeo program on the wall. He said he wanted to be that Cowboy when he grew up. When in reality he was that Cowboy to everyone that knew and loved him. We will all cherish our special times with him. The laughter; his funny snippets, his swagger, his love of fine suits and fine bourbon. Rest in Peace Michael. We Love You and already miss you more than one can imagine....... "Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
Carey Ann Ryan
09/11/2013
Mike joined our 3 Principles Lunch & Learn group several months before his hip surgery. He was the best addition to our group.What a gentle-man! It was amazing how quickly he learned not only all our names but the specific challenges in life each of us were working on to resolve.The moment he spoke about his children you could see his chest puff out with pride. He was an old soul on a mission to do all the good in life he could in his short time here.He befriended
all of us as though we had always known each other.He carried with him a pocket full of wisdom and a very kind heart. 1952-- 2013, Mike you made very good use of the dash in between.We will celebrate you life by remembering how lucky we were to have you touch our lives even for a short time. You will be missed.And we are counting on you to pull us on up!
Monica Stovall
09/11/2013
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Michael's death. What a nice guy with a great sense of humor! I'm glad to call him friend. He always made me laugh. I'm grateful for fond memories of the fun times we shared over the years. I am sorry for the void that has been left. However, knowing he is in the BEST place now is a blessing so it is not "good bye but rather see ya later, my friend!". May God's Peace & Comfort be with you, Family, during this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Frank and Judy Rains
09/10/2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael's children and family. He was so proud of all of you, and as I am sure you all know he was loved by so many. If you were aqainted with Mike you were his friend. There was only one Mike and the world will be at a loss, for losing him. Michael always shared his smile with everyone, and will be missed for a long time. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with this man, and be able to call him my friend.
Bob Davis & Nikki
09/10/2013
Mike, was one of my best friends and was dearly loved by my daughter, Nikki. Such a loss for such a great man, father and friend. Mike was one of the most honorable people, I have ever known. Your friend & buddy, Bob