Michael Gene Hiatt

Michael Gene Hiatt passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home April 7, 2021.

Michael was born in Des Moines, Iowa, November 13, 1939, to George and Violet Quinn Hiatt. Joining his sibling, James Le Roy Hiatt, and later joined by Daniel Francis Hiatt.

Michael attended East High School, but due to his eagerness to enlist, he received his GED while in the US Navy. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1958, after boot camp he traveled to many places in the United States. He served aboard the USS Valley Forge until 1961, where received an honorable discharge and a Good Conduct Medal. Upon returning to the states, he rushed to marry his bride Judy Goetz. Michael and Judith Gail Goetz Hiatt entered their special union on September 2, 1962, with whom he spent the rest of his days. Two children were born to this union, Todd Michael and Troy Martin.

Mike and Judy were lifelong active residents of the South side of Des Moines; Mike was active in South Des Moines YMCA, Adult Softball, and coached Little League. As a diehard Cubs fan, he loved to visit Wrigley Field and the Hall of Fame, and watch Cubs games every season whether he was awake or not. Mike and Judy were active members of Family Camper/RV of America. They were voted National FCRV Retiree King and Queen in 2008. Besides golf, camping and fishing, he was also an accomplished bowler. He aspired to become a Pro Bowler, but because of health reasons he was not able to achieve this dream. He did get his “300” ring which he was immensely proud of. Mike and his boys had a race car called “Moms Checkbook” along with other racing misadventures during the boys young adult years.

Mike went to work for Eagle Iron Works in 1962, as an apprentice Machinist for several years. He then went to work for Meredith Burda, which was later sold to RR Donnelly, he then retired from RR Donnelly in 2000. After “retiring” Mike started moving trucks for Wright Tree Service around the country as a way to keep busy until Judy retired. It later became apparent that Mike needed more time off to go camping. Mike completely retired in 2001.

During his retirement, Mike and Judy continued to be Winter Texans in beautiful San Juan Gardens. During their Texas adventures, Mike played Poker, Cribbage, Pegs, and Jokers, and made many lifelong friends.

Michael is survived by his wife, Judy; brother, James (Berdena) Hiatt; sister-in-law, Glenace Hiatt; son, Todd (Laura) Hiatt and grandchildren, Rileigh, Colton, and Drew Hiatt; son, Troy (Tabbie) Hiatt and grandchildren, Leah (Cody) Frazer, Nick, Chase (Brooke), and Benjamin Scharfenberg; and three great-grandchildren. Michael took special pride in grandson Colton for enlisting in the Iowa National Guard.

He was greeted in Heaven by his parents and his brother, Daniel as well as his beloved pet, Suzie.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 12, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 13th at the funeral home. Michael will be laid to rest with military honors at Norwalk Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a tribute to be determined at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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