Ribbey, Michael (1949-2022)

RIBBEY, BIERMA, CABALLERO, YATES

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/20/2022 at 15:47:33

Daily Freeman Journal
Webster City, Iowa
April 24, 2022

On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, Michael Ribbey passed away after a brave struggle against cancer.

Mike was born January 5, 1949, in Boone, Iowa, son of Douglas and Elizabeth Ribbey. After moving around for a few years, they settled in Webster City, Iowa, where Mike graduated from high school. He was on the first wrestling team for the Lynx his senior year and was the first to qualify for the state tournament. He then wrestled for Northwest Missouri State. Physical fitness became a habit that he would follow for the rest of his life.

Mike was an excellent student and always excelled in school. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in fine art from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He met his future wife, Sheryl Bierma, in art class at UNI and they were married November 15, 1986. They moved to Des Moines and had two children. Mike worked in the financial services industry for his working career but his real passion was art. You would often see him sketching or doodling on whatever paper was in front of him. He continued to draw and paint throughout his life.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sheryl and two children, Teague (Lena) and Katherine (Aaron Caballero). Also siblings Sondra Yates, Wade (Judy) Ribbey and Patrick (Patricia) Ribbey, along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, IA. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines, IA. Burial is at Rising Sun Cemetery.