Michael Rooney

Michael Richard Rooney passed away Saturday, March 16, 2008. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 18, at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona with Father Howard Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, in rural Farrar.
Mike was born January 31, 1928, Des Moines, IA., to Edward and Ellen Rooney. He graduated from Dowling High School, Des Moines in 1945. Mike farmed for many years near Farrar and was employed by Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company for 24 years. Mike was a lifelong member for Holy Cross/St. Mary Elkhart Catholic parish before joining Ss. John and Paul, Altoona in 1994. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since the 1960’s.
Mike married Elizabeth (Betty) Forrer on April 22, 1950 at St. Ambrose Cathedral, Des Moines. Mike is survived by his wife, Betty and their five children. Dennis Rooney of Denver, Colorado, Denice Fischbach and her husband Bob of Bloomington, IL, Diane Schoeberl and her husband Lynn of Apple Valley, MN, Doug Rooney and partner Alofonso, Hayward, CA, and Donna Rooney of Woodbury, MN, his sister, Alice Marie Whitmore of Indianola, (adopted) daughters, Mary O’ Conner and Jenny Kroells. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Jason Fischbach, Aaron Fischbach and wife Sarah, Sean Fischbach, Meghan Schoeberl, and Ryan Schoeberl. Mike is survived by one great grandchild and his name sake Michael Elden Fischbach.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona where a vigil service will begin at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the National Parkinson Foundation, or Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church.
Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

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