Michael James Fitzgerald
April 22, 1948 - March 31, 2018

Michael James Fitzgerald, 69, formerly of Clare, Fort Dodge Iowa passed away March 31st 2018 in Hot Springs Arkansas where he has lived since 2009. He was born April 22nd 1948 in Fort Dodge Iowa to Ronald and Rose Mary (Lahiff) Fitzgerald.

Michael graduated from St. Edmonds in 1966. He was a veteran of the United States Army, where he served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969, was wounded and received the Purple Heart

Upon his discharge from the Army, Mike attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids Iowa for Horticulture.  He then married Pam Kadow in August of 1971 and were married 26 years.  After graduating he moved back to Fort Dodge and worked at the Fort Dodge Country Club and the American Legion. Mike was then hired on to help design and seed the new Lakeside Golf Course.  Mike raised his family on an acreage outside of Humboldt, Iowa where his talent for landscape and gardening thrived. He owned and operated Fitzgerald and Son tree transplanting while continuing his position as Superintendent at Lakeside until his retirement in 2004. He later made his home in Hot Springs

Michael is survived by his daughters: Kari Moustafa, Yuma AZ, Toni (Dan) Weydert, Montgomery MN, Kim Fitzgerald, Fort Dodge IA Grandchildren: Neal Moustafa, Nadia Moustafa, Reece Weydert, Ali (scooter) Weydert, and Kelcie Weydert.  Sisters: Connie (David) Coughlon, Colorado Springs CO, Pam(Dan) Doyen Crestwood KY, Donna Fitzgerald Indianapolis IN.  Brothers: Greg (Barb) Fitzgerald Fort Dodge IA, Doug (Robin) Fitzgerald Black Forest CO, Phil (Jessie) Fitzgerald Battle Creek MI. Along with a nephew and nieces.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his son Neal Fitzgerald, nephews Troy Fitzgerald and Brain Coughlon.

Michael loved taking his family boating and water-skiing. He was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR. Michael had a passion for astronomy, car shows, riding his Harley, and his gun collection. He was proud of his Irish heritage especially on St. Patrick's day and that Earth Day fell on his birthday. Michael was proud of his grandkids and loved to hear about their activities.

Michael gave to many Charities. He attended St. Mary's of the Springs Catholic Church. He was a life time member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion.

Mike had a kind and thoughtful heart, and will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Corpus Christi Church with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating. Burial will follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery. A visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. all at Laufersweiler Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to St. Jude's or the Disabled American Veterans Organization.

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