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Michael Prey
Michael Prey, 73, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2022. Mike was born on August 6, 1949, to Leo and Lucille Prey in Des Moines. Mike grew up in Des Moines and was a graduate of Dowling High School, Grand View College, and Drake University. He married his wife, Bette, on August 4, 1973, and together they happily shared 49 years of marriage. Together they had a daughter, Katie, and Mike adopted his son, Chad, in 1976. Mike served in Vietnam as part of the Infantry. He enjoyed about any sport and often coached his children’s little league and basketball teams. A brilliant man with a dry sense of humor, he enjoyed discussing history and politics. Mike worked for the State of Iowa for 35 years as a Personnel Manager, representing the State in numerous grievances. In retirement, Mike and Bette travelled to numerous National Parks to experience their history. He was a loving and devoted father and husband and he lived his life devoted to his family, always putting others before himself. Of all his titles, his most treasured was that of “Grandpa.” He loved his grandchildren dearly and lit up when they were in his presence. Mike is survived by his wife, Bette; his children, Katie (Patrick) Schoolen, of Des Moines, and Chad (Ceci Martinez) Prey, of Hialeah, FL; grandchildren, Ruby and Maxwell Schoolen; and brothers, Dick, Pat, and Kevin Prey. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Parker and Janet Prey; and brother, Jack Prey. The family would like to thank Mike’s medical team at Nebraska Medicine, specifically Drs. Adam Burdorf and John Um; Mission Cancer, specifically Dr. Seema Harichand; the staff at Taylor House; and his heart donor, Albert Crespin, and his family. All of them gave Mike the gift of life and provided Mike and his family the opportunity for him to make memories with them, and for that the family is eternally grateful.
Services will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Adel, IA, with internment immediately following. The family asks that you please leave a story or memory of how Mike touched your life at www.ilescares.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to University of Nebraska Foundation, Mission Cancer and Blood Foundation, and Taylor House Hospice. Please give the gift of life and become an organ donor.
Posted online on October 31, 2022
Published in Des Moines Register
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Ronald Sinnwell
Mike and I reconnected at GrandView after we both returned from Vietnam. Three years in the Army, two of them overseas, but we were stuck taking a required class, P.E.! I have to say, we made the best of it. Our last class of the day was bowling, and we had both just turned 21. A few beers at Thunderbird Lanes made the class fun. We'd grab an extra beer for our partner, Bill Eisenlauer, who was not yet 21, but could quaf a beer with the best of us. Those quad-50's are finally silent. Rest In Peace Mike.
Michael Faber
Mike was s close friend. I first met Mike in kindergarten at Brooks School. That was in 1954. He invited me home as he lived right across the street from school. We attended St Peters grade school and DHS. We were inducted into the Army the same day and trained at Fort Polk Louisiana. Gods peace Mike