Michael Akuar Akuar

Mr. Michael Akuar, 89, of Altoona, Iowa, was born and raised in South Sudan. He passed away
at his home in Altoona, IA, on Saturday, June 8th, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones,
transitioning to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mr. Michael Akuar was a trailblazer, community leader, anchor a pioneer, and a loving father.
He had a great love for his family and community and was an amazing friend to everyone he
met. Equally, he enjoyed serving others, treating everyone, young and old, like his own family.
Born on January 1st, 1935, in Aweil, South Sudan, to the late Akuar Akuar and Achol Ajich
Deng, Michael enjoyed farming and playing during his youth. In 1952, as a teenager, he left to
work for the railroads as a technician to support his widowed mother. The heavy responsibilities
he bore at a young age prevented him from continuing his education, but Michael had a strong
resolve and managed to self-educate, learning Arabic. He held a deep passion for education
and learning. Despite the challenges in the United States, he attended Des Moines Area
Community College to study English as a Second Language and achieved proficiency in
reading and writing English. He obtained his American citizenship in 2003.
Michael selfless desire to serve his people led him to contribute significantly to the labor union
movement. His dedication won him the trust of his union, which led to his election as their
representative to the parliament from 1981-1985. Ambitious, he moved to Khartoum in 1985 to
pursue a career in business and entrepreneurship.
In August 1998, he resettled in the United States, working at Drake University as a kitchen aid
staff until his retirement in 2005. Notably, he purchased a home in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2005,
and later sold it to buy a nicer one in suburban Altoona for his family. His passion for serving
humanity remained undimmed in the United States. Drawing on his experience with the labor
union and the Southern Sudan assembly, he organized his community into a self-sustaining
association that serves and advocates for the immigrant community.
A devoted Catholic, Michael was an active member of St. Ambrose Cathedral Catholic Church
of Des Moines, IA. His faith was well-known, and in his free time, he enjoyed watching soccer,
wrestling, Al Jazeera, and listening to music.
He was preceded in death by his parents Akuar Akuar and Achol Ajich Deng, his brothers Majok
Akuar, Wek Akuar, Akuar, Deng Akuar, his first wife Anyang Tong Malou, his son Akuar Akuar,
and granddaughter Mariam Akuar.
He is survived by his second wife, Apout Agok, and his ten children: Ayak Akuar, Charles Deng
Akuar, Peter Wek Akuar, Adeng Akuar, Salpa Riak Akuar, Achol Akuar, Deng Akuar, Achok
Akuar, Bulo Akuar, and Garang Akuar, and fifteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, many
family members, and friends who will continue to cherish his life.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish
Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322.
Michael's Catholic Mass will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 9:30 am at St. Ambrose
Catholic Cathedral, 607 High St., Des Moines, IA 50309. His Celebration of Life will follow
immediately at the CPMI event center, 2321 N. Loop Dr., Ames, IA 50010.
Michael expressed his wish to be buried in his mother's native land, South Sudan, and in lieu of
flowers, his family is requesting monetary assistance to fulfill his wish. Contributions can be
made directly to the family via check, or online through cashapp or Zelle at 515-782-8307.