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.