Mike Anthofer

Michael George Jr., son of Michael Sr. and Theresa (Sturm) Anthofer, was born March 13, 1936, at Roselle, Iowa. Mike graduated from Bayard High School with the class of 1954. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, primarily in Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Mike began a career with Garst and Thomas that lasted 39 ½ years until his retirement in 1999. He then worked part-time for Iowa Crop Improvement in the summer and fall inspecting seed fields. On April 18, 1964, Mike was united in marriage with Kay Dorpinghaus at the Annunciation Church in Coon Rapids. Four children were born to this union. Mike was a member of the Annunciation parish and active in its Men's Club. His faith and love of God was one of his finest qualities. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Jaycees and served on the library board. Mike enjoyed going to sales and refinishing furniture and was an avid mushroom hunter. He was a talented gardener and kept many friends and neighbors in fresh vegetables. Mike also enjoyed having coffee with friends at the Legion each morning. He cherished time with his grandchildren - flying kites, fishing, attending sporting events and having them over for the weekend. Mike and Kay loved to travel together, making trips to England, Scotland, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV - where he enjoyed playing Black Jack. Following a short battle with cancer, Mike entered the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. He died there on Sunday, November 11, 2012, at the age of 76 years, 7 months and 29 days. Mike is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald Anthofer and Jerome Anthofer; sister in infancy Coleta Ann Anthofer; parents-in-law Dr. Henry and Rachel Dorpinghaus; brothers-in-law Darle Dorpinghaus and Merle Hilgenberg; and sister-in-law Caroline Dorpinghaus. He is survived by his wife Kay Anthofer of Coon Rapids; children: Jeffrey Anthofer (Jill) of Coon Rapids; Timothy Anthofer (Maggy) of Ankeny; Michelle Hofbauer (Anthony) of Huxley; Stephanie Thomas (Huw) of Egrement, England; grandchildren: Alex, Andrew and Austin Anthofer; Jessica Cooper (Josh); Jonathon and Jacob Anthofer; Caleb Shaw; and Kathryn, Matthew and Joseph Hofbauer; great-granddaughters Chloe and Penelope Cooper; siblings: Gladys Frazier (Sam) of San Diego, CA; Robert Anthofer (Vicki) of Northfield, MN; Mary Stessman (Bob) of Iowa City; Paul Anthofer (Sandy) of Urbandale; Vern Anthofer (Marianne) of West Des Moines; brother-in-law Keith Dorpinghaus (Carlene) of Coon Rapids; sister-in-law Elois Hilgenberg of Waukee; nieces, nephews and many friends. Reverend Andrew Hoffmann, Celebrant Lector Carlene Dorpinghaus Eucharistic Ministers Elois Hilgenberg Arlene Wanninger Gift Bearers Robert Anthofer Mary Stessman Paul Anthofer Vern Anthofer Music "Be Not Afraid" "On Eagle's Wings" "How Great Thou Art" Annunciation Choir and Faye Seidl, Organist Casket Bearers Gregory Dorpinghaus Derwin Dorpinghaus Douglas Hilgenberg Dale Hilgenberg Kevin Dorpinghaus John Anthofer Honorary Casket Bearers Mike's Grandchildren Interment with Military Honors Union Township Cemetery near Coon Rapids, Iowa American Legion Gurney Parker Post 357