Michael Moreno

Michael Moreno, 45, passed away unexpectedly at home Saturday, April 7, 2018. He was born November 24, 1972, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Jesse and Christine (Schneider) Moreno. To most he was known as Michael, but to his father he was “The Ragedy Rascal”.

For Michael did not speak clearly, so our father would make him repeat a rhyme just for him - "The Ragedy Rascal ran around the rock." The Ragedy Rascal’s name was Michael. He began his journey in Valley Junction in a house literally built by his father’s own two hands along the railroad that was worked by his father, grandfather and great uncles. But that’s a story for another day, one of which The Ragedy Rascal had to move to a regular old street off 13th and Ashworth in a simple house of brick that was not fancy or grand by any means. It was there that the love and life lessons would become his most treasured memories.

Ragedy spend his childhood days wandering the backwoods down by the river near his home, planting a garden on land his family used to own. When he wasn’t doing that he would spend his time fishing, which was his favorite past-time that he shared with his father, mother, siblings, aunts and uncles. When his pole wasn’t in the water or he wasn’t wandering the hills, climbing trees, or building fires against his father’s wishes, Ragedy could be found building or drawing whatever project that popped into his head. Michael being himself, did not stop until it was complete. When he wasn’t making those dreams in his head come true, he would be wandering the town with his cousins, friends, or maybe a sibling or two. The Ragedy Rascal started in the trade that would forever become his life's work alongside his uncle, Mike Hoffman, who along with his cousins, Mark, Eric and Jodi had taught not only him, but Jason, Arnold and Dale how to put in acoustic ceilings at the ripe age of 10.

Let us not forget he was influenced and molded also under the direction of our most infamous uncles, Warren “Dial” Bingaman and “Hot Rod Hank” Hansen. For he loved his older mentors and wanted to be just like them. To most, they would be called cousin, but to him they were called brother. That was how Ragedy was raised - that family took care of each other. Now what about those friends named Keon and Hang Nong who were tried and true until the very end. A glimpse of them must be included in this simple short story. We could not forget them because he gave them such a special place deep within his heart. These boys all ran together along the city roads, long hair, dark colors, and long trench coats in the middle of the night.

The Ragedy Rascal’s time was not always spent letting his spirit wander. For one day he found a love and her name was Sarah Eberle and then two gifts were granted to them from our precious Lord above. Their names are Mariah Jean and Jesse Tyler. It’s his smile I see upon their faces as they dance around the camp fire site or sit along a fishing hole. He now walks beside them no matter where they go.

Life changes and nothing stays the same. He married another - Deborah Conrad was her name. They blended together their families, for Michael truly loved her son, James Tyler. The Ragedy Rascal was so happy for he loved them dearly. I never in all the years we shared saw such a smile upon his face - his soul was delighted. God smiled upon his family and blessed them with grace. A love grew within him while singing by a campfire, dancing with his children and wife.

Old Ragedy’s spirit became troubled and no one will truly know why he was called to Heaven. He was given his wings to fly as he entered into Heaven, greeted by our father who was waiting for him upon that special rock.

I love you Ragedy.
Your forever twin

Michael is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Mariah, Jesse, James, and Whitney; mother, Christine Moreno; grandmother, Neva Sorenson; siblings, Gerald (Onie) Oppold, Karen Oppold, Anna-Marie (Dale) Forbes, Wayne (Jennifer) Shoafstall, Christina (Donald) Petro, Christopher (Michelle) Moreno, and Conchita (Santiago) Martinez; brothers in heart, Keon Nong and Hang Nong; fathers-in-law, John Conrad and Edgar Kuyrdkendall; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse and brother, Jesse.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street followed by burial at Resthaven Cemetery. The family will greet friends Monday, April 16th from 4 to 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.

Memorials may be directed to his sister, Conchita Moreno-Martinez.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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