" Vern and Twila. I find myself light years behind in the tragic news department. While scrolling for another obituary I see the story of your son Mike. I did not know him, or of his passing, but if he was anything like the two of you, we lost a very good guy. I am very very sorry. God Heal, God Save, and God Love all of you. Donnie and Melody Wagner"
In loving memory of
Michael William Wichtendahl
April 24, 1992 - November 25, 2011
Michael William Wichtendahl was born April 24, 1992, in Algona to Vern and Twila (Bilbrey) Wichtendahl. Michael grew up in rural Lotts Creek and graduated from Algona Community High School in 2010. He was finishing his second year at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville majoring in Media Broadcasting.
Michael had a great smile and an infectious laugh. He spent much of his time working on his car and on his man-cave in the barn loft. In his school years, he was active in Quiz Bowl, band, Model United Nations, Academic Decathlon, baseball, football, golf, and helping coach Whittemore Little League. He also worked at the Algona KFC for three years. He enjoyed music of all kinds, nature, and discussing sports. Michael was a friend to all, especially children and generations older than him. While in school he made it his goal to meet and get to know everyone on a first name basis.
Michael fought hard to recover from injuries he received in an automobile accident on November 4, 2011. He died with his family at his side on Friday, November 25, 2011, at the age of 19.
He is survived by his parents, Vern and Twila Wichtendahl of Lotts Creek; three sisters and one brother, Angela Wichtendahl and her husband Josh Rusch of Algona, Emily Wichtendahl of Mason City, Suzanne Wichtendahl of Algona, and Jonathan Wichtendahl of Lotts Creek. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Roy and Lila Bilbrey of Panora; his paternal grandparents, Delbert and Elaine Wichtendahl of Whittemore; two aunts and three uncles, Pastor Steve (Cheryl) Wichtendahl of Guthrie Center, Paul (Mary) Wichtendahl of Good Thunder, MN, Carmen (Bill) O'Brien of Marion, Jean (David) Peninger of Cheraw, SC, and Charlie (Beth) Bilbrey of Panora; special friend Lauren Wiederholt of Algona; and many cousins and close friends.
Tributes
"i was only in algona for a month and i met mike at kfc he trained me and we started to be good friends he would come to my house and eat all my food and watch tv and spend time with my little boy we miss u alot mike i hope your fam is doing good well il hang out with your crazy self agine some day rip m y friend"
"i remember when mike used to come to my house and lounge for hours watching tv playing video games and just being goofy lots of laughs with you bro take care and my condolences to michael;s family he is missed by all who knew him
"
"i am so sorry for your guys' loss, i am definately keeping you guys in my prayes. michael was a good kid, and no family should ever endure the kind of pain you guys are going through. God bless you and the years to come."
"Twila and family, I just heard of Michael's tragedy yesterday evening and will keep you and your family in our prayers. Michael was a unique, bright individual who always put a smile on your face. "
"I remember about 6 years ago when i stated to ride the bus with Mike. I looked at him as a role model from just his personality. As he grew up you could see him become the person everyone knew. After he stopped riding the bus our friendship slowly faded away. He made a part of me that i am today, i only wish that i could have got to know him better. Rest in peace man."
"Twila and family. I just learned of your great loss. I have a daughter the same age and just cannot image your pain and sorrow at this time. I'm praying for all of you and asking Jesus to carry you through this time and take your grief. Hold the great memories close and take some comfort in the thought that now he is entertaining in Heaven because he beat us all to Heaven's gates! God hold you all close. Mary Cox Antal"
"That big smile! It didn't matter who you were, or where you were from, Michael always had a huge smile for you. You will be missed but not forgotten by everyone you touched!"
"Michael was such a sweet friend to my son Dillon. He used to make movies at our house with Dillon, Matt, and Christian. Always smiling, always nice and respectful Michael was a true gem. The last time I saw him was in August and I gave him a bunch of cookies, I could always count on him to be nice. He will be so missed, all love and peace to his family. Love from Jenny and John Opheim and family. (Whittemore Iowa)"
"Vern, Twila, and family. I just learned of your son's passing today. Words cannot describe the sadness that I feel. I am so very sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers."
"I always enjoyed Michael. He would joke around with me and was fun to talk to. His grin and sense of humor just made you laugh. He touched many lives and we are so sorry he is gone. We will always remember Michael!"
"Michael had a laugh that would fill up the room and make everyone around him also fill with laughter. My memories of him always involve him falling asleep in class when all the sudden his head would start bobbing up and down. He was an amazing guy and a great friend he would talk to everyone. He will be greatly missed by all.
"
"I'm very sorry for your loss! Michael did get to grow up with a wonderful, creative, funloving special famil;y, he will always have that. You are in my prayers. Peace to all of you."
"What I remember most about Michael was his laugh. You could hear it anywhere and you would know it was Michael. He was not only a classmate but a great friend. My brother Ryan worked with Michael for a short while at KFC. Ryan has multiple sclerosis and had a hard time walking at times. He fell one night outside of work and who but Michael was there to help him and take care of him. He will always hold a special place in my heart and the hearts of everyone else he met througout his laugh. My deepest synpathies go out to his family and close friends. Love you Mikey! You will be missed greatly!"
"To Michael's Family, I had Oral Communications with Michael this semester so I didn't know him well, but he was well liked in class and could always get a laugh out of us. Please know that there are many who have been praying for him and will continue to keep your family in their prayers."
"To Micheal's family: my deepest sympathy goes out to you all. I only knew Micheal for a short while, but he was always in my thoughts and prayers. He was lucky to have such a great family that was there for him. Tiffany(nurse)"
"You have our deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. Can't even find the words to express how very sorry we are for your entire family."
"Michael was a great man who could always make anyone laugh. He made so many memorable experiences for me during my time with him in quiz bowl. I am glad that I got to know him. To the Wichtendahl family, my thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Deepest sympathies to the Wichtendahl family! Michael's memory indeed lives on. He will be in your hearts & he'll be shining down upon you from heaven giving you the strength & courage you need to carry on. Lauren, this goes for you as well. Our hearts bleed for you all! He will surely be missed by many! He will never be forgotten! Thoughts & prayers go out to your family! May God bless you all & comfort you during this very tough time! The Anderson family: Gary, Jessie, Tammie, Mariah, Brittany, Lindsay, & Sassy"
"While I did not know Michael personally, I do have a son that attended school with him and is close in age. My heartfelt prayers and sympathys to all of your family. May God grant you the comfort and peace you need to get thru this tragedy. The Hingson's "
"Vern, Twila, and family. Michael has been in our thoughts and prayers since the accident. You and your family have my sincerest condolences and will continue to be prayed for in this most difficult time. Keep the faith and know that Michael made the impact he was supposed to in this life and will continue to be your angel in the next. Renee Graves and Family"
"Michael was such a great person, I have a lot of memories from growing up at Whittemore functions together. One of the best summers I ever had was the one I spent with Michael taking stats for the Whittemore little league. He was a spectacular quiz bowl player. Playing him made me nervous, but while he was beating my team, he told so many jokes, that it was fun playing him. He always had time to talk to me at quiz bowls. I will miss him. Vern, Twila, Angela, Emily, Suzanne, and Jonathan- I love all you guys my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. "
"Michael, quiz bowl was a blast with you. You helped to make some of my best memories in high school, and no matter how early we left for some far away tournament you always brought a smile to our faces. Thank you. Twila, Vern, and the rest of the Wichtendahl family, my heart pours out to you. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to let me know. My thoughts are with you all."
"Twila, Vern and family, although there are no words that can really help right now, I hope it helps to know that there are many people that care about you and are praying for you. May God be with you during this difficult time. "
"Michael was an amazing person. his smile could make absolutly anyone laugh or smile with him. he will be greatly missed by so many and his laugh will never be forgotten. thoughts and prayers to your family."
"We remember Michael from chaperoning the band trip his freshman year - he was so much fun, with a wonderful smile, and big personality. Our deepest sympathies to you, Twila, Vern , and family. Praying for you at this time. "
"Michael will be remembered for his enthusiasm, humor, quick wit, and smile. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all."
"Michael, I remember him from Lucia Wallace. Yes there was a smile there and a twinkle in his eye as he smiled. Lots of energy and ideas. Twila Vern and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
"Whenever I saw Michael, I saw this good-looking young man with a smile that wouldn't quit. He was always very courteous and respectful ... and so witty with his comments! My heart goes out to all of Michael's family and friends through this tough time."
"Michael was always there for me no matter what. He was a great shoulder to lean on, and he could always somehow make me smile. He meant so much to me and my family. Thoughts and prayers from the Loeschen's to the Wichtendahls. Michael will be deeply missed. Katlyn Loeschen & Family"
"I will always remember all of the advice Michael gave me! He was such a great young man, and so much fun to work with! He was rarely on time for work, and I'll never forget the blue cut off button up raggedy shirt he would always be wearing! My heart is with the Wichtendahl's, just can't seem to not stop thinking about him now that he is gone! I will never forget you!"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"I just can't imagine what you all are going through. You are in my thoughts & prayers daily. Unfortunately, I will be in Chicago helping my mom next week, but you will be in my heart. "
"Michael, I wish I would have had the pleasure of meeting you. Your photos display a handsome young gentleman that was loved by many. Rest in peace. God will take good care of you. Robert Stillman, Portland, OR I just copied what Debra Utt Johnson said as I did not ever meet Michael either."
"There was never a day where someone was laughing at a joke Michael had told, or when he wasn't walking with a smile! He will be dearly missed, and the entire family is in my thoughts."
"Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!"
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Michael was an awesome kid. I have very fond memories of that sweet smile and great attitude.. May God watch over him and his family as well."
"Michael,
I wish I would have had the pleasure of meeting you. Your photos display a handsome young gentleman that was loved by many.
Rest in peace. God will take good care of you.
Debra Utt-Johnson"
"It was always so fun to see Michael walking the halls. He always had a smile on his face and he could light up a room. He will be greatly missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers to you guys. "
"We can only imagine the loss you are feeling at this time. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Michael was always so courteous and nice. He was interesting to talk with and he will be missed by all who knew him. "
"He had an amazing way of making even the commonplace fun and exceptional. Much is missing but I will always remember... Spoons, Anyone?"
"I remember when i had no friends till about 4th grade ..Michael and kyle hung out with me tell i had gotten other friends, but we always would talk and catch up on things when we ran into each other ...Michael was unique because to me he always has treated everyone equal never thought he was better and never thought less of people he cared for everyone."
"Michael was one of the most genuine people I've ever met. I didn't know him very well, but I'll never forget the night of my sophomore prom when he just walked right up to me and started talking to me like we'd known each other forever. He made me laugh until I cried, and made me feel welcome among his friends. I feel truly blessed that I had the opportunity to meet this wonderful person, and I hope that he's in Heaven making everyone up there laugh like he made me."
"Although I did not know Michael (personally) I used to work with Emily. I want to express my thoughts & prayers to your family during this time! Please let me know if I can do ANYTHING for you! Continued Thoughts & Prayers... Mandy Sykes"
"Words cannot express how we are feeling about your loss. Our hearts go out to your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. "
"My heart goes out to the whole famly. I only really knew Michael the 2 years he was at Lucia Wallace, but remember he was always had a smile. He was such a bright and talented young man. This is so hard to all of you right now, but remember your friends are there for you. Lean on the Lord and He will give you peace. Again, my deepest sympathies to all of you."
"We did not know Michael, but would like you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Losing someone so young is so hard and only God knows why. He is in Gods hands now. Prayers are with you"
"Twila and Vern , Jesse and I want you to know that are in our prayers and will continue to be so. We are so sorry for your loss.
"
"Words cannot express our deepest sympathy to your family at this time. The thing I will remember most about Michael was his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Our hearts go out to you."