Michael E. Riley
November 20, 2014
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Service Details
Deacon Michael E. Riley, West Des Moines, Iowa went to meet our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 20, 2014. He was born March 21, 1943 in Fairbury, Nebraska; his parents were Cleto L. Riley and Bessie M. (Little) Riley.
He was raised in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School. He attended Drake University for a year and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business. Later he received his Certified Public Accountant Certificate, having wanted to be a CPA since 9th grade. He earned his Master’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Taxation from Drake; completed his deaconate training at Conception Seminary, MO and became Juris Canonicia Licentia (Canon Law Lawyer) from the Catholic University of America, DC.
He was married to Joyce Stefani June 30, 1962. They have five children. He was a Certified Public Accountant specializing in taxation for many years. He worked at Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co, Wolf & Company, various private firms and then started his own firm. Later he merged with and retired from Meriwether, Wilson & Company in 2000. After retirement he was ordained a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, his retirement vocation. He served the diocese of Des Moines as Vice-Chancellor, Director of the Tribunal and as Director of the Diaconate until his second retirement in 2012. At the diocese he also sat on many committees and boards during his 12 years.
After traveling to many wonderful countries, Michael and Joyce purchased a cabin in Iron River, WI, to be enjoyed when he retired from the deaconate. He enjoyed the time they spent there, especially cutting down dead trees.
He was active in many community organizations serving as a member, officer and director at Settlement House Association, President of the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors of the Natural Heritage Foundation, Toastmasters, volunteered at the Diocese of Des Moines over thirty years before becoming a Deacon, lay trustee at Christ the King Church as well as president of the parish council, and Financial director for Pope John Paul’s visit to Des Moines.
He was preceded in death by his parents Cleto & Bessie Riley, a brother James Boyd, NE, two sisters Harriet Bloyd, NE, and Betty Beauchamp, MO, and a grandson Dustin Harter, IA.
He is survived by his wife Joyce(Stefani) Riley; children Timmie Michelle (James) Orlando, FL., Shawn Patrick (Yolanda) Peru, IA, Kathleen Jo, Fairfax, IA, Christopher James (Susan) Wichita, KS, Eric Michael (Angel) Des Moines, IA; sister Charlotte Ann Gaughenbaugh, Republican City, NE, brother-in-law Willis Bloyd, Seward, NE, sisters-in-law Nancy Stefani, Des Moines, IA, and Janice Vanderwall, Puyallup, WA; 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He had many, many wonderful friends at the Diocese of Des Moines, Christ the King parish, St. Ambrose parish in Des Moines and St. Michael the Archangel in Iron River, WI, who have been praying for Michael during this journey.
Michael's body has been donated to Des Moines University for medical research.
The wake will be Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Christ the King Church Parish Hall from 2:00pm to 5:00 with a Rosary at 4:15pm.
A memorial mass will be Sunday, November 30, 2014 at St. Ambrose Cathedral at 2:30 with a reception at the Pastoral Center across the street.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to Michael's favorite charity, Catholic Charities 601 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50315.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ron Harsh Sr.
11/28/2014
In Memory of Michael E. Riley
Born: March 21, 1943
November 20, 2014
Michael My Friend
Michael my friend, to your family and friends as we pray for your spirit and soul. Michael my friend, may you now rest in peace as your spirit lives on for we are blessed. In Life, you have touched the hearts of many as they lay your body to rest. For the meetings and times in life, we were lucky to have shared.
Michael, you were a very special piece of the puzzle in our journey of life. We appreciate your good works, as we know you were happy to share.
Your body may leave this life, but your memories and spirit will live on in our mind and in our hearts. For now as you depart for Heaven where you will now call home. From the South side of Des Moines to the West side as your body is now laid to rest. The truth is in the value you speak and the Holy Spirit in you, but that individual man in you is what will truly be missed.
The light in your eyes and the smile on your face, for the challenges early in life we did face. From being a friend and buddy as little children growing up in school to our graduation from High School. The adventuress trip we took on route 66 to California. Our extended stay in Las Vegas both coming and going. I will never forget you my friend.
Dear Michael my friend, to your family and friends your spirit lives on as we pray for your spirit and soul. Michael my friend, you have touched the hearts of many as we lay your body to rest. Our Father in Heaven needs Michael my friend. Only God alone knows what is best as he separates us from the rest. It is so your spirit can be at its best when our body is now laid to rest. Michael my friend, is with our Lord Jesus Christ and one day soon. We will be seeing you again as this is not the end Michael my friend.
By: Ron Harsh Sr. 11-26-2014
From Ron & Anna Marie Harsh
Daryl and Sue Davis
11/24/2014
Dear Joyce, Daryl and I were so sorry to hear about Mikes passing. Mike was a very important part of the Davis family business, he will always be remembered as a loyal, and kind man.
Mike Page
11/23/2014
Diana and I want to convey our deepest sympathy for Mike's passing. What a loss for everyone he came in contact with. We both considered Mike a true friend and we, along with everyone, will miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Shirley Ceretti Brown
11/23/2014
I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. My prayers are with your family. He was a very good man.
Diana Page
11/23/2014
What a privilege it was for me to be introduced to Mike several years ago. He was such a kind and gentle spirit and his love for God and family was so evident. Praying that God's love and peace will surround his family in the days ahead.
Sondra Robbins
11/22/2014
Prayers for Joyce and the family at this difficult time. May the good memories comfort you and bring you peace. Having known Mike since kindergarten, I know his warmth and kindness will be missed by many, many loved ones.
Fr. Al Sherbo
11/22/2014
Sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a truly good, kind, faithful person. I knew him from his work at Christ the King on the pastoral council, his path in the diaconate, in the diocese at the Tribunal Office, and other places where he put his talents at the service of others. He will be missed. I will keep him and all of you in my prayers.
Marilyn O'Mara Muephy
11/22/2014
He will be missed but always thought of with fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blanca and John Collins
11/21/2014
Deacon Mike will be remembered as a wonderful person, at any time you could count with his smile and words of wisdom, God is giving him a warm hug and giving lots of comfort to his family specially to Joyce (his wife). May the Lord bless the family and friends.
Deacon Jim & Mary Houston
11/21/2014
Joyce & Family - Our hearts go out to you at this time. We pray for your comfort in knowing that Mike is now with our Lord and no longer suffering. We will always treasure the memories we have of Mike as Director of the Diaconate and the influence he had on our lives. He was a great role model of Diakonia, treating others with love and dignity. Most importantly, he always put God first and set a great example to the rest of us. God bless you at this time of your loss. He'll be greatly missed. Gone, but not forgotten. May our dear friend R.I.P.