Michael Ribbey

On Tuesday April 19, 2022 Michael Ribbey passed away after a brave struggle against cancer. Mike was born January 5, 1949 in Boone, Iowa, son of Douglas and Elizabeth Ribbey. After moving around for several years the family settled in Webster City, Iowa where Mike graduated from high school. He was on the first wrestling team for the Lynx his senior year and was the first to qualify for the state tournament. He then wrestled for Northwest Missouri State. Physical fitness became a habit that he would follow for the rest of his life. Mike was an excellent student and always excelled in school. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He met his future wife, Sheryl Bierma, in an art history class at UNI and they were married November 15, 1986. They moved to Des Moines and raised two children there. Mike worked in the financial services industry but his real passion was art. You would often see him sketching or doodling on whatever paper was in front of him. He continued to draw and paint in his spare time. Mike is survived by his wife, Sheryl and two children, Teague (Lena) and Katherine (Aaron Caballero). Also siblings Sondra Yates, Wade (Judy) Ribbey and Patrick (Patricia) Ribbey along with many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday April 26, 2022 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home 8201 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, Iowa. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday April 27, 2022 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Rd., Des Moines, IA. Burial is at Rising Sun Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church.