Michael J. Tonini, 55, died peacefully at Taylor House surrounded by family and friends on October 13, 2005 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Michael attended St. Anthony's grade school, Dowling High School, and graduated from Simpson College and the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Visitation will be held 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, with a Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. followed by a Scripture Wake Service at Brooks Funeral Care Tonini Chapel.

Michael retired as president of Tonini Funeral Home and Des Moines Limousine Service which he founded with his father. Mike often chauffeured for the limousine company, and was fond of saying "I have driven everyone from the President of the United States to the farmer's daughter." Most recently he assisted Brooks Funeral Care in a consultant capacity.

Michael was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish council, and assisted as a past board member for the Board of Education, the Society of Italian Americans, where he served as an officer, Vittoria Lodge and Knights of Columbus. Mike was very active in the Des Moines area and served the community on numerous boards, commissions and projects.

Michael will be missed by his mother, Mary F. (Caligiuri) Tonini; daughter, Gina (Tonini) Nelson; aunt, Sofia Tonini; step-daughter, Michelle (Wolfe) Tigner; grandchildren, Alexis Kenney, Alayna Nelson, Scott, Braden, and Kaylee Tigner, all of Des Moines. Michael is also survived by his spiritual friend, Betsy Loffredo. He was preceded in death by his father, Mando J. Tonini.

Memorial contributions are suggested to his church foundation, the Italian American Cultural Center or Taylor House.

He always stood up for what he believed in no matter what!

All who loved him in life, let us honor him in death...