Michael Coenen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mike Coenen.

A Funeral Mass will be on Thurs. Sept 10th at 11:00 am at All Saints Catholic Church (650 NE 52nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313). A catered luncheon will be held in the fellowship hall following the service. 

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; his oldest daughter, Jessica Schaffer, and her children Sophie, Lucy, Liza, and Gus; his son, Jason, and partner Tiffany, and their children Kase, Trevyn, and Swayzie; and his daughter, Josie Vellema, her husband Tony, and their children Sawyer Smeltzer, Sully Smeltzer, George Vellema, and Charlotte Vellema, as well as his stepchildren Jeremy Kuehl and his wife Rachel, Aaron Kuehl, and Autumn Kuehl.

Mike was an amazing husband, a loving and attentive father, and he adored his grandchildren with his whole heart. He always made sure his family knew how much he loved them and showed it. A huge Iowa Hawkeye fan through and through, he loved nothing more than a football Saturday or a wrestling meet, and he loved attending his grandkids' activities. He was always proud, always their biggest fan.

At home, he loved spending time in the pool, keeping it sparkling clean, tending to his yard, and washing his already spotless truck.

Mike has gone on to his next adventure, presumably somewhere with unlimited coffee refills and a room full of Hawkeye fans. He was famous for his laugh, his stubbornness, and his ability to turn a ‘quick trip’ into a three-hour social event. He leaves behind a collection of unread Hawkeye articles and more than a few half-finished projects.

In lieu of flowers, please consider performing a small act of kindness, or at least a medium act of mischief, in his honor. Donations may also be made to the Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling Program or University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.