Michael "Mike" Arthur Mutchler

Ankeny

Michael "Mike" Mutchler, 61, of Ankeny, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2013 in Kennesaw, GA. Services will be Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Pkwy in West Des Moines. Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA. The family will greet friends Wednesday, June 19, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mike was born August 2, 1951 in Des Moines, IA to Anna Mae (Lint) Mutchler and the late Theodore Mutchler, Jr. Mike attended North High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. After being honorably discharged and retiring from the army, he received the Bronze Star. He went to work for the Army Aviation Support Facility based in Boone, IA. He was a helicopter mechanic specializing in Hueys and Blackhawks and was known as "Dog" by all his coworkers. Mike ended up serving his country a total of 28 years. He was currently employed with Mediacom of Des Moines. Mike loved to work on cars with his sons. Fishing and target shooting were among some of his hobbies. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Cheerio and Daisy and his "granddaughter" Keeli.

Mike was looking forward to retirement, moving closer to his daughter, and traveling around the country. He loved his family very much. He was generous and willing to help anyone that needed it. He always had a great story to tell, whether it was fact or fiction.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Crystal Mutchler (Bram Farmer) of Marietta, GA; sons, David Mutchler of Ankeny, IA and Aaron Mutchler of Sumner, IA. Michael is also survived by his mother, Anna Mae Mutchler of Des Moines, IA; companion, Beth Wilson of Ankeny, IA; sisters, Rae Hergenrader (Eddie) of Cushing, WI, Randi Hutchinson (Richard) of Waukee, IA, Debra Mutchler (Mark Johnson) of Des Moines, IA, and Marcy Schacht (Hans) of Mansfield, IL; brother, Daniel Mutchler (Silvia Fisher) of Jacksonville, FL; 15 nieces and nephews; and 24 great nieces and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Riders.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jun. 19, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Mutchler

23 Entries

November 28, 2013

Happy thanksgiving. Missed you so much yesterday since we used to find time to spend time together the day before thanksgiving and all the hub bub. Love you always.

Crystal Mutchler

October 9, 2013

Hey Popparino. Got more work done on the portrait of you. I have a great idea to finish it up. I think you'll really like it. Thanks for visiting me in my dream when I started work on it too. I'm really glad you approve :) I wish more than anything I could give you hug. Even get a monkey bite from you (and those always HURT!!) I love you so much, Dad. Please come visit me again soon.

September 5, 2013

Mike everyday I miss you more and more. I loved you with all my heart and everyday I think about you, want to call and talk to you but but can't. Rest my love and know I will think about you always.

August 29, 2013

I just learned of Mike's passing. I am proud to have served with Mike in the Iowa National Guard and had many of conversations with him. Most were tales of his experiences working on Huey's....I learned quite a bit from "Dog"! I am saddened to hear that his journey has ended here on earth. But, I am sure that there is a helicopter in heaven with his name on the door!
Never Forget!
J Michael SSG Ret. IARNG

Daddy's girl

Crystal Mutchler

July 3, 2013

I miss you, Dad. I think about you every day and wish more than anything I could call you up on the phone. You touched so many lives and your passing was a shock to us all. I'm going to do my best to make you proud, and I really hope that we'll get to see each other again someday. I'll even let you flick a "party ball" at me. Love you, poppa. Always and forever.

Randi

June 26, 2013

I want to personally thank all of you who wrote condolences and took the time to come honor my brother. Mike was unique as you all know and our family deeply misses him. Those who mention his friendship with Judd should know Mike carried Judd's Obituary in his wallet since Judd's death. It truly had an impact on Mike losing his childhood friend. Once again thank you all for your support at a time when we all needed it the most.

June 22, 2013

I just came back from Georgia myself today. I was catching up on the Obituaries and found Mike had passed. I served with Mike in the Iowa National Guard for several years. There will be no one else like him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his kids, companion and yes, even to his dogs that I'm sure are missing him as well. Rest in peace old warrior. K.W. Greenwood

Linda Andersen

June 20, 2013

Aaron, Crystal and David I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good man and a good friend to me. We had a great time camping, fishing and just spending time together visiting friends and family. I thank Judd for introducing us. I loved him with my whole heart and he will be truly missed.

June 20, 2013

Mary Smith

June 19, 2013

Rest in peace Mike. You and my Uncle Judd were awesome to be around. Loved all the stories you had to tell. You were part of our family. You will be missed.
Mary Celsi Smith

Eva Ruther

June 19, 2013

Aaron, I won't be able to be at your father's service tomorrow but want yuo to know my prayers and thoughts are with you. We haven't seen each other for a long time but you are still one of my boys. It may not help right now but know that your dad will always be with you, in your heart, in your memories. My sympathy to all of your family. Love you, Eva

June 19, 2013

Mike I will miss you and always love you. At least you and I always had that understanding I am so glad I got to tell you that again the last Imelda I saw you. I w ill love you always with my entire heart. See oh in heaven darlin

Deb (Betts) Martin

June 19, 2013

I was so saddened to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to your entire family. May the fond memories hold him in your hearts forever. Always, Deb (Betts) Martin

Mary Tomlinson Morlan

June 19, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Mike's family. May knowing you're in the hearts and thoughts of others help you and yours
through this time of sorrow.

Steve Jones

June 19, 2013

Man, for the short time I knew you, you were one of the best guys I ever met. RIP, my friend. You sure earned it.

Jean Averill

June 19, 2013

Dearest Anna and family, May God hold you and comfort you as you grieve your loss of Mike. Lean on the Lord for strength as your brokeness may seem unbearable. It was evident that Mike loved his Mom as he stopped by her place during lunch many times. Anna, I'm so very sorry.

Heather Sciorrotta

June 19, 2013

Sending up prayers for your family as you all go through this.

linda ultang powers

June 19, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family for this loss.

June 19, 2013

well cousin I didn't think our time would be cut so short but I guess u never know , I will always think of u when iam camping for sure you was a lot of fun n could carry on a conversation for ever but that's what made you one in a million I will miss u but we will meet again love u
RIP
Shonna Avery

Erica Rohde

June 19, 2013

The whole family is missing you right now, Uncle Mike. You were loved by everyone. I am so thankful that I got to know you as long as I did. You put a smile on my face every time I saw you! RIP, we miss you. With love, Erica Rohde & David Thomas

Anita Matherly

June 19, 2013

May you Rest In Peace Mike! Your smile & terrific personality will be missed at Mediacom.

Sheri (Moon) Lightkep

June 19, 2013

I grew up with Mike - he and my uncle (Judd Moon) were inseparable growing up. He always had a story to tell - some more truthful than others :-)
Mike will be missed.

Andre Allen

June 18, 2013

Unc Mike, RIP and know that you're a loved man here. We will truly miss you. May God bless our family with peace in this time of sorrow. Love Ya Nephew Dre!

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