Obituary for Roger Lee Michael

Roger Lee Michael, 82, of Colwell, Iowa, passed away on October 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with cancer at Floyd County Medical Center. A celebration of his life will be held in the Swartzrock Building at the Floyd County Fairgrounds from 11:00-3:00 on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Roger was born on June 6, 1944, to Wendell and Joan (Busch) Michael. His formal education ended after the eighth grade when he went to work full-time to help provide for his family. While his education may have been limited, his wisdom, work ethic, and determination were not. Providing for those he loved became the hallmark of his life.

On October 27, 1963, Roger married the love of his life, Kathleen Kay Richsmann. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and unwavering devotion. They shared many happy years together until Kathy's passing on February 5, 2025. Roger faithfully cared for her throughout her declining health, demonstrating the same love and commitment that defined their marriage.

For the past 45 years, Roger called Colwell home. He spent many years driving semi and eventually fulfilled a dream by starting Michael Trucking, where his sons joined him in the family business for several years. After health issues led him to sell the business, Roger began a second career as custodian at St. John Lutheran Church. He devoted countless hours to caring for the church he loved, taking tremendous pride in ensuring it was beautiful and welcoming for all who entered. Those who knew him often joked that St. John's had the shiniest floors in town, a distinction Roger wore as a badge of honor until his retirement.

Roger's greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. He loved gardening, chopping wood, tinkering in the garage, and fixing just about anything that needed repair. If something was broken, Roger could fix it. And if he needed a part, chances were good he had one tucked away somewhere in his collection of treasures that others might have called "junk." His resourcefulness, ingenuity, and willingness to help made him the person friends and neighbors called when they needed a hand.

Roger was a familiar face among his cherished "McDonald's Gang," where good conversation, laughter, and friendship were always on the menu along with his hot cakes and a cup of coffee.

A kind and generous man, Roger never knew a stranger. If he liked you, you were sure to hear plenty of jokes, stories, and one-liners. If he didn't like you, you probably knew that too, though very few people ever found themselves in that category. His quick wit, warm heart, and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

For the past six years, Roger's most faithful companion was his beloved schnauzer, Oliver. The two were inseparable, and Oliver will undoubtedly miss his best friend every day until they meet again.

Roger is survived by his children, Doug (Barb) of Riceville, Brad "Beak" of Charles City, and Liz (Terry) Hamm of Charles City; grandchildren James, Sydney, Rebecca, Wyatt, Kaylee, Kaleb, Dalton (Jill), and Cally (Danielle); great-granddaughter Penelope Rose Hamm; siblings Karla Thomas of Charles City, Brenda Olson of St. Ansgar, and Ron (Mary) Michael of Floyd; sisters-in law Barb (Ver) Frohling of Story City and Marilyn Hedegard of Kensett; special friend Becki Kielsmeier; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and so many dear friends, especially the Vorwald and Wolfe Family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Kathleen Michael; his parents, Wendell and Joan Michael; his parents-in-law, Robert and Leona Richsmann; his sister, Marlene Marth; sister-in-law Shirley Dougherty; and brothers-in-law David Marth, Robert Thomas, Rodney "Bootsy" Hedegard, and others who welcomed him home.

Roger's life was a testament to hard work, loyalty, faith, and love. He was a provider, a problem solver, a caretaker, a friend, and above all, a family man. The lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him. Well done, Dad. You built a life that mattered.