Michael Aves. Sr.

Michael B. “Mike” Aves Sr., 71, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away early Sunday, April 17, 2022, at MercyOne in Des Moines.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022, at Scottish Rite Consistory, 519 Park Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. The family will begin greeting at 10:30 a.m. with the service to begin at 11:15 a.m. followed by a Masonic service. Afterwards, the family invites friends and family to a time of fellowship, memories, and refreshments from 12-2 p.m., also at Scottish Rite. Parking will be available to the west of Scottish Rite, enter on Center Street. Private burial will be at a later date.

Mike was born on November 4, 1950, the son of Ralph and Bette Aves in State Center, IA. He grew up on a farm outside of State Center, and graduated from West Marshall Community School in 1968. He married Shelia Bunting in 1969 and they raised two children, Michael Jr. and Tonia. In 2002, Mike remarried Beverly Joan Smith in Des Moines where they have resided since.

His work over the years included farm implement maintenance, parts stores, Mercy inventory control, and maintenance at House of Mercy. Mike also volunteered many hours at Scottish Rite assisting in organizing and maintaining the facility.

Mike was raised in 1972 at Full Moon Lodge No. 561, eventually joined Operative No. 308, and later also joined Daylight Lodge No. 660. In 2001, Mike began his devoted affiliation with the Des Moines Consistory A.A.S.R. Orient of Iowa Valley of Des Moines. In 2005, he was invested with the rank and decoration of KCCH. Mike also enjoyed serving the Grand Lodge of Iowa as Sr. Grand Deacon, Jr. Grand Warden, and Deputy Grand Master. He genuinely enjoyed the traditions and lifelong friendships from traveling throughout the state with Beverly for the Grand Lodge of Iowa. Mike was proud to be involved in recently raising his grandson, Jake, to a master mason. Mike enjoyed mentoring master masons to help them advance in their degree work and understanding of the fraternity.

Mike was a talented vocalist, beginning with being awarded a seat in All State Chorus as a high school senior. He continued to volunteer his voice to community organizations throughout his life. Above all, Mike’s pride and joy was his family and was experienced by everyone when he cooked meals for them at family gatherings – the bigger the better!

Surviving Mike are his wife, Beverly Joan; son Mike Jr. (Amy) Aves; daughter Tonia (Alan) Sherman; grandchildren Jacob Aves, Mallory (Colton) Carr, Cody Cubit, Michaela Cubit, and Adam Sherman; great grandchildren CJ, Garrhett and Everleigh; brothers Tom (Sue) Aves and Dave (Rita) Aves; sister Sue (Randy) Miller; uncle Brian (Janice) Croson; sister-in-law Linda Umble; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Bette Aves.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at their discretion.

Condolences may be expressed online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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