J. Michael Carlstrom

J. Michael Carlstrom, 79, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, at the Healthcare Center at Edgewater in West Des Moines, IA. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, Papa and friend. There will be a celebration of life for Mike on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Edgewater, 9225 Cascade Avenue, West Des Moines 50266.

Mike was the son of John and Lila Carlstrom and was born in Fremont, NE on July 4, 1944. Growing up he was active in sports and was the manager of many athletic teams at Fremont High including the Basketball State Champions in 1961. Following graduation from high school, Mike went to Iowa State University where he graduated in Construction Engineering in 1967. At ISU he met the love of his life, Jane Delzell, and they were married after graduation.

Mike spent the next 45 years in the construction industry. His first job was as an engineer on site at C.Y. Stephens Auditorium in Ames. Following projects in Independence, MO and Omaha, NE, Mike and Jane wanted to settle down for a longer term and Mike accepted a position with The Weitz Company in Des Moines. He held positions from field engineer to President of the Des Moines Division over the years and was involved in many projects including the Des Moines Civic Center, Blank Children’s Hospital, Capitol Square and Prairie Meadows. Also, he was involved with many office buildings in West Des Moines.

Mike and Jane lived in Urbandale for many years and raised their two daughters, Julie and Melissa. Mike was active in Urbandale in the UGRA and enjoyed coaching the girls in softball for many years. He was active in the Urbandale Chamber and served as President. He served on Urbandale Planning and Zoning, The Board of Adjustment and The Capital Expenditures Committee, was Urbandale Citizen of the year in 1991, and was active in the Des Moines Chamber. Mike was a graduate of the Des Moines Leadership and Iowa Leadership groups. He was active in industry associations serving on the Boards and President of The Des Moines Construction Council and The Master Builders of Iowa, and served on the board of AGC of America.

In 1994, he was asked to manage a new startup company, GuideOne Taylor Ball. This was a joint venture of Taylor Ball Construction and GuideOne Insurance to provide a service to mostly churches who had suffered an insured casualty. These projects were throughout the continental United States.

Following retirement in 2012. Mike and Jane travelled the country. They visited 26 of the 50 State Capitols and most of the Presidential Libraries. Mike also wanted to visit every city in Iowa and has been to every county and over 2000 cities or towns. They moved to Edgewater in 2019 and enjoyed the many activities there until Jane passed away in 2020 following 53 years of marriage. Mike stayed very active at Edgewater after her passing and was currently serving as the president of the council.

Mike is survived by daughters, Julie of West Des Moines and Missy (Brent) Burns of Spencer; grandchildren, Jacob and Sydney; sister, Dee Ludvigsen of Fremont, NE; and brother-in-law, Jim (Ellen) Delzell of Lombard, IL.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to The American Cancer Society of Iowa, PO Box 715, Des Moines, IA 50303.