Mike Volrath

Mike L. Volrath, Sr. passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 with his family by his bedside. Mike lost his 11 year battle with cancer.

Mike was born August 14, 1931 to Lillian and George Volrath in Davenport, Iowa. He played basketball and football at Davenport Central.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, golf, travel, entertaining family and friends and most of all, a good story. He was an excellent story teller and could manufacture fictitious facts to relate to his children and grandchildren with a straight face. He was also a die-hard Cubs and Hawkeye fan. He was in the Navy for four years during the Korean War serving aboard the USS Ashland.

Mike met his bride in June of 1950 and six weeks later, they eloped and married with everyone saying it wouldn’t last. But they celebrated their 63rd anniversary last July 29. They were blessed with five children: Linda VandeBerg (Jim), Michael (Becky), Scott, Jeff (Lisa), and Kelli Dellis (Sherman); 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Mike was the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge in Pleasant Hill in 1980. He served as Past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Moneta, VA and was a member of the Ritual Team for the Moose in Virginia.

He was a plumber by trade, but developed a love of remodeling work and finished many projects while living in Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marilyn and Marcella; brother, George; son, Jeff; and daughter, Kelli.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2014 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3300 Easton Blvd, Des Moines at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2014 with an Elks Rest Service following Mass. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.

Memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals in memory of Mike.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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