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BORN
1970
DIED
2016
Dennis Michel Obituary
Ankeny
Dennis Joseph Michel was born July 1, 1970 in Maquoketa. He tragically passed away Monday, August 1, 2016 at Lake of the Ozarks while trying to save his brother-in-law's life.
Denny is survived by his loving wife of 7 years, Missey Michel; their children, Lydia (7) and Landon (5); his parents, Gary Michel and Shirley Riniker; sister, Anji (Justin) Kelderman and their children, Tyson, Peyton, Lindsey and Cade; brother, Brian Michel; sister, Lori (Jason) Handeland and their daughter, Lilly; grandfather, Alvin Michel; parents-in-law, Mike (Laura) Allen and Patti Allen; sister-in-law, Mindy Seeman and her sons, Kaden and Brady; grandparents-in-law, Alice Allen and Jerry Kissinger; other loving relatives and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Berniece Michel and Oscar and Sylvia Sommers and his grandparents-in-law, Marlin Long, Joyce Kissinger and Ernest Allen.
The family will greet friends from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2016 at St. Lukes the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1102 NW Weigel Dr. in Ankeny. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the church with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Denny for his children's education. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Michel
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
Marta Romer
August 6, 2016
I was saddened to learn of your loss. I was Dennis' third grade teacher in Andrew Iowa.
August 6, 2016
So sad to hear about Dennis' passing. We worked with him in IC and he was a great kid. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Ken Cariens
Jane
August 5, 2016
To the Wife, Young Children, Parents Siblings, Family, and Friends of Dennis...
My heart sincerely breaks for you and I am deeply saddened when I read about someone so young and truly giving and HEROIC losing their life so tragically. It just doesn't seem right!
I didn't know Dennis or his family, yet, by his eulogy "he is exactly the type of person the world didn't need to lose!!"
Please except my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Hero/Husband/Father/Son/Brother/Family/Friend.
I honestly wish there were words to ease and lesson the overwhelming greif and pain you must endure.
Please know you are sincerely in my thoughts and prayers. God give you the Love, Strength, Support, Guidance, Comfort and Understanding from all who care to help you cope with this unimaginable difficult time in your life.
Let the Promises of Our Heavenly Father sustain you through this unimaginable difficult time. God Bless all of you.
Melody (Kish) McAndrew
August 5, 2016
Shirley and Gary I am so sorry for your loss. I want you to know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. It was nice to run into Denny he always say Hi and had that great smile. Denny RIP and say Hello to grandma Sylvia!!! When I see and hear a beautiful Carnail I will think of you!!
Mary and Steve Brickey
August 5, 2016
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts break with yours. Words can not express how badly we feel.
Grady and Colin Schlosser's grandparents
Cheri Scheib
August 5, 2016
Missey, the kind words from these messages tell us all that Dennis was a well respected man with a kind heart. Our thoughts have been consumed by your loss. We send you blessings that you find strength in those around you & most especially your children. Bless you.
Jane
August 5, 2016
To the Wife, Young Children, Parents, Siblings, Family, and Friends of Dennis...
My heart sincerely breaks for you and I am deeply saddened when I read about someone so young and truly giving and HEROIC losing their life so tragically. It just doesn't seem right!
I didn't know Dennis or his family, yet, by his eulogy "he is exactly the type of person the world didn't need to lose!!"
Please except my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Hero/Husband/Father/Son/Brother/Family/Friend.
I honestly wish there were words to ease and lesson the overwhelming greif and pain you must endure.
Please know you are sincerely in my thoughts and prayers. God give you the Love, Strength, Support, Guidance, Comfort and Understanding from all who care to help you cope with this unimaginable difficult time in your life.
Let the Promises of Our Heavenly Father sustain you through this unimaginable difficult time. God Bless all of you.
Jennifer Bauer
August 5, 2016
My sister Joan is your neighbor, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this difficult time. We will forever keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
August 5, 2016
To the family, My prayers goes out to you all for the loss of your loved one. Keep his memories close to your heart when time are sad reflect on the time you spent creating memories that will last forever.
Lynn Worrell
August 4, 2016
So sorry to hear of the loss of a great guy. I worked with Dennis as a carrier when he first started with the postal service in Iowa City. We were a close group of carriers not just at work but also socially. Dennis told me when he started he goal was to become a postal inspector before he was too old. I also remember the "No Wa Wa" Beach parties where Dennis always gave us great laughs. I had the pleasure in later years to see him when he supervised in West Sub and Iwas glad to see he was still a great guy with a big smile.
August 4, 2016
So sorry to hear about Dennis. My thoughts go out to his family. I was a city carrier with Dennis when he first started in the postal service. There was a group of carriers who also hung out socially and Dennis was one of the group. We went to the No Wa Wa Beach party every year and Dennis brought so many good laughs! Truly the nicest of the nice . I met up again with him later at the West Sub station when I was conducting inspections and it was nice to see he hadn't changed...still a great guy!
Lynn Worrell
Hattie
August 4, 2016
Sorry for your loss and may the God of comfort be with your family.
Melanie Cowman
August 4, 2016
Missey, I haven't stopped thinking about you and the kids all week. I'm so sorry this tragedy happened and am praying for you all. In the short time I've known you and Denny, I know he was such a special person. One night I had told Quinn I'd be a few minutes late to pick her up from an Ankeny practice as I was picking her brother up elsewhere at the same time. When I got there, Denny was waiting with Quinn in the parking lot. That was the first time I met him and thought that was so sweet of him to wait with her. We had several nice conversations in the bleachers while he watched Landon when you were coaching. He was always so friendly and such a great Dad. I'm so glad we got to meet him. Thinking of you all.
Bill Griggs
August 4, 2016
Dennis and I were great friends at the West Suburban Station. We did many, many lunches together and shared many jokes. He was the best of the best of postal employees, and truly a good hearted human being! He will be missed by all. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Tim Macejak
August 4, 2016
Dennis was a quality guy. Some have mentioned his great smile and I agree. He was my supervisor for a while at the Iowa City post office, and there aren't many supervisors that I can't find a single negative thing to say about -- but he was one of them. This is just so incredibly tragic.
Tim Macejak
August 4, 2016
Dennis was a quality guy. Some have mentioned his great smile and I agree. He was my supervisor for a while at the Iowa City post office, and there aren't many supervisors that I can't find a single negative thing to say about -- but he was one of them. This is just so incredibly tragic.
Connie Heuer
August 4, 2016
Dennis worked down the hall from me at the NDC. What an exceptional person he was. He had that wonderful smile that we all loved. We often shared conversations just about everything. He loved talking about his family. I'm praying for the family - I know your hearts are broken.
RIP Dennis. Fly high my friend.
Michele Dortch
August 4, 2016
I am so very heartbroken to receive news of the passing of a dear co-worker and friend. Dennis and I worked together in the Headquarters SOX Group where we conducted reviews together. One special memory was during a snow storm in West Des Moines, IA. We had to stay at the nearest Hotel, Dennis vehicle would not go into 4 Wheel Drive, and needless to say we had many laughs based on the conditions we were in. But I could not thank Dennis along with David Downs enough for ensuring my safe return home to Richmond, VA. My prayer is for the family to comfort each other in this most difficult time.
Linda Patterso n
August 4, 2016
Sorry to hear this. Dennis was one of my supervisors in Iowa City.Prayers for all the families
Judy Hamilton
August 4, 2016
My heart goes out to you and Mindy and your families. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith Johnson
August 4, 2016
Dennis was a co-worker with me in USPS Headquarters Finance. He was always fun to be around and good colleague. I appreciated his kindness and big heart. He will be greatly missed.
Linda Wilhelm
August 4, 2016
I worked with Dennis in the Iowa City post office a terrible loss for anyone who had the chance to work with him thoughts and prayers to the family
Stefan Larsson
August 4, 2016
I am so saddened to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers in these difficult and sad time.
Sharon (Gordon) Parkison
August 4, 2016
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of this wonderful man. I had the privilege of working with Dennis for over 2 years at the West Suburban Station and after that, off and on at the Hawkeye District. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face and time to visit. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He spoke often of you all and was very happy to have you in his life.
Tom Nye
August 4, 2016
When I started delivering mail at the Iowa City post office, Dennis trained me. I always think of Dennis as having a super friendly smile. He was the perfect person to train a new employee, so patient, kind, and intelligent. I can't be surprised that in his last moment he was trying to help another person. You are a person that will not be forgotten, Dennis. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
August 4, 2016
I worked with Dennis at the Iowa City PO for awhile. Dennis was a really nice kid and I liked him a lot. We had great talks about fishing. It's hard to wrap my mind around this. Thoughts and prayers to both families.
Darrel Ballantyne, Solon, IA
Kerry McBryde
August 4, 2016
This saddened me tremendously to hear about Dennis. I had the privilege of working with him over the past few years and the honor of enjoying his friendship. He was such a great, smart, easy going guy and will be missed terribly. I will have Missey, the kids, and all of his family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Peters
August 4, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Mudd
August 4, 2016
Continually in my thoughts and prayers.
Valerie Murrell
August 4, 2016
Although we didn't get to see Dennis often, we always enjoyed the times when we were together as a postal family. We will miss him and are sending prayers and condolences to his family.
Carey Gaw
August 4, 2016
So sorry for you loss Missey and Family. We will see you Friday.
Quincy Daniel
August 4, 2016
I didn't know him well, but we worked in the same HQ SOX Department. We treasure all our Postal Family, and I pray for you and all your family in this difficult time.
Kevin, Shelly, Paige, and Rachel Lowary
August 4, 2016
Sending prayers and hugs to you and your entire family! We are so sorry!
Kelly Beeck
August 4, 2016
Missey
There are no words that are going to be able to take away the loss that you and your family are feeling right now, but know that we are here if you need us for anything. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry Baker
August 4, 2016
May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. I will cherish the times we worked together and our conversations we shared.
Shelly Milligan-Burgess
August 4, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and The Burgess family sends there condolences.
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