Michael Lynch

Michael Lynch, of Ankeny, died at age 28 on August 2, 2018, from an accidental overdose. During the last several years of Michael’s life, he struggled and fought his addiction to opioids, which began after a snowboarding accident. We share his story in hope that lives may be saved, and his death will not be in vain. Michael strived to maintain sobriety and wanted a life free from pain. He was sober for a year and a half prior to his death and did not want to leave this world behind. We respect the way he fought this difficult battle, and our broken hearts will forever feel the loss and emptiness of his absence.

Michael was an adventurous, kind, loving young man with a big heart. He deeply loved his family and especially loved being a Dad and raising his daughter Ellie with his longtime love, Jillian. Michael loved music, going to concerts and playing the guitar. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent much of his life snowboarding, skateboarding, disk golfing and hiking. He was known for his stunts, which included snowboarding off his parent’s rooftop in the winter. He was fearless from a very young age! Michael was passionate about helping others. He chaired meetings over the years to help others in their recovery and previously worked at the YESS shelter mentoring homeless youth.

He is survived by his parents, Paul and Marsha Lynch; longtime love and mother of his child, Jillian Johnson; daughter, Ellie Lynch; sisters, Melissa (Luke) Shelton and Rachel Lee; brother, Chad Lynch; grandmother, Marcella Sage; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Alina Lynch, and grandfather Kenneth Sage.

Funeral Services will be held at 6:30 PM on Thursday, August 9th at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens located at 121 NW 60th Ave. in Des Moines. Please bring memories and stories to share. A basket will be available for letters to Michael, Ellie, Jillian, or the family.

In honor of Michael, we ask that you contact your local legislators to advocate for an increase of funding for addiction and mental health research and treatment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be received by the family for a future designation.

For online condolences, please visit:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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