Michael Ray Robertson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Michael Robertson, 62, of Des Moines and formerly of Oskaloosa passed away Tuesday morning, January 3, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Michael Ray Robertson was born February 15, 1954, in Courtland, New York to Chester Leroy and Vicki Voleda (Barrows) Robertson, while his father was stationed in New York with the Navy. The family returned to Iowa, his father’s home when he was a small child. Mike received most of his education in Oskaloosa, and he was a 1972 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California until his discharge in 1976. While living in California, Mike met and went on to marry, Mary Lynn Tatro, February 14, 1979, in Las Vegas, Nevada. After his discharge, they settled in Lancaster, California and Mike worked as a mail carrier. Mike and Mary enjoyed traveling and attending Southern Rock and Roll concerts in the early years of their marriage. In 1985, their first daughter, Sara was born and sister, Kathryn followed in 1988. That same year, the couple moved to Las Vegas, where Mike was employed by a pest control company. In 1992, the couple decided to move to Iowa to be closer to Mike’s family; he was again employed by a pest control company, and later he delivered wholesale flowers all over the state of Iowa. Mike was an avid Iowa Hawkeye, Kansas City Chiefs and St, Louis Cardinals fan; he also never lost his appreciation for Southern Rock & Roll music and a deep love for his country. His family includes his wife, Mary of 37 years of Des Moines; two daughters: Sara (Todd) Bitting and Kathryn Robertson, both of Des Moines; three grandchildren: Nathan and Eliana Bitting and Carter Cabrera; three sisters: Gail Yurgel of Leighton, Sue and Doug Witt of Cedar, and Linda (Mark) Kelley of Oskaloosa; two brothers: Alan (Phyllis) Robertson of Ollie, and Barry (Susan) Robertson of Bondurant; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by two brothers: Chet and Gary Robertson, a brother-in-law, John Yurgel and a sister-in-law, Cindy Robertson. Funeral services for Mike will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday morning, January 7, 2017, at the Good News Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Burial will be in Old White Cemetery with Military Honors by the Oskaloosa Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Friday, at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet visitors from 6-8 p.m., Friday evening. Memorials may be made in his name and will be designated at a later time. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online guest book at gvlfuneralchapel.com.

Michael Ray Robertson

February 15, 1954 - January 3, 2017