- Date Of Birth: September 9, 1934
- Date Of Death: January 7, 2022
- State: Iowa
Michael John Fitzpatrick, age 87, was welcomed into the arms of Our Heavenly Father on January 7th, 2022 at the Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, IA. Michael (Mike) was born in Des Moines, IA on September 9, 1934 to John William Fitzpatrick and Jeanette Pitt Fitzpatrick.
Mike grew up in the Beaverdale neighborhood and attended Holy Trinity Catholic School, Dowling High School, and graduated from Roosevelt High School.
He served in the US Army from November 18, 1953 to September 22, 1955 during the Korean Conflict. On September 30, 2014, he took the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C . It was a memorable occasion. He proudly wore his Korean Veteran hat and Honor Flight jacket whenever the occasion arose. He always made a point to acknowledge and thank other veterans for their service when out in public.
He worked at the Des Moines Register & Tribune, starting as a delivery boy and retiring as foreman of the Platemaking Department (formerly known as the Photo-Engraving Department). He was employed for 44 years at the newspaper and retired in 1996.
He married the love of his life Jean Humphrey on November 3, 1956 at the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines, IA. They had five children: Mary Lynn Fitzpatrick, Ann (Gary) Brockman (Des Moines), Kathleen (David) Schnoebelen (Johnston), John (Darla) Fitzpatrick (Urbandale), and Tom Fitzpatrick (Des Moines).
After the children were raised, Mike and Jean travelled to all 50 states, the Caribbean, and Ireland plus five cruises. While in Ireland, they visited the counties Mike’s ancestors and family originated from and returned with many beloved stories of their travels.
After retirement and between travels, Mike kept occupied and social with small, part-time jobs as they suited his interests and time. Mike frequently joined Jean with various volunteer opportunities and, later in life, stayed active with events at the Urbandale Senior Center.
Besides his love for his family, Mike’s hobby and passion was football, especially Dowling and Notre Dame. He was able to attend many Notre Dame games, including two Cotton Bowl games. He rarely missed a Dowling football game. He often would be found waiting at the gate long after the game ended, so he could personally call out to the exiting players: “Good game, guy.”
Preceding him in death were his parents; his sisters: Margaret Kinsfater, Kathleen Cardamon, and Dolores Long; and his daughter, Mary Lynn Fitzpatrick.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, four of his children, 11 grandchildren and spouses, and 9 great-grandchildren, his brother-in-law Nick Cardamon (Johnston), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
