Michael Annett

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Annett. Michael left this Earth on December 2, 2025. He was born on June 23, 1986 to Deborah and Harrold Annett in Des Moines, IA. In just 39 years, he left an impact on everyone he met.

Michael "Mosky" was a tenacious competitor and began his athletic career as a hockey player. Michael played in the highest-level junior hockey league (the USHL) for the Waterloo Blackhawks and was part of their 2004 Clark Cup Championship Team. That year he was named "Most Improved Player." However, it was his notorious hockey hair that was in a league all of its own.

Michael's true legacy, however, was left on the race track. In his racing career, he made 436 combined starts across NASCAR's three national touring series, making a name for himself most prominently in the Xfinity Series where he made 321 starts, 158 of which came with Junior Motorsports and 106 of his starts were at NASCAR's highest level in the Cup Series. Michael's career-best achievement came in 2019 when he won the series' season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. He was well respected amongst his peers and always gracious to his fans.

Aside from his hockey and racing career, we will always remember Michael for his hilarious wit and strong sense of humor. He had a way of instantly becoming the funniest person in the room.

Michael was generous and kind to all who knew him, and all who did not. If it's true that "People who love to eat are always the best people," well…Michael was truly the best of the best. The amount of time spent on the racetrack pales in comparison to the time he spent planning his meals, eating them, talking about them, rating them, and planning his next one.

Michael's big heart was best felt by his beloved dogs, Paisley, Toro and Celia. They were his most loyal companions. Nothing moved Michael (or his pocketbook) more than hearing Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" playing urging listeners to donate to the abused animal's cause. He was a lover of all animals, and it showed.

Along with Toro and Celia, Michael leaves behind a huge family and host of friends that loved him. He is survived by his mother Deborah Annett of Des Moines, his sister Emily Annett of Norwalk, sister Jennifer (Webb)(Bob) Ruble of West Des Moines, sister Jaimi Webb of Des Moines, brother Jason (Colleen) Webb of Norwalk, brother Todd (Amy) Annett of Cedar Rapids, brother Tim (Brenda) Annett of West Des Moines and nieces and nephews, Caitlin, Dylan and Brooklyn Webb and Tommy, Nikki, Mitchell (Dorothy) and Carter Annett, Shelby (Riley) Rasmussen and great-nephew Warren Annett. He will also be sorely missed by his "brothers from another mother," Kurt Smith, John Renda and Toby Lawless.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harrold Annett and nephew, Billy Webb.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made payable to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines - The Michael Annett Fund, 1915 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 3 to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 23rd, at Glen Oaks Country Club, 1401 Glen Oaks Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266.