Michael Milligan

Michael William Milligan passed away on October 5, 2022, after a courageous and long battle with cancer. Mike was born and raised in Des Moines; a proud ‘64 graduate of East High School. After graduating from Drake University, Mike married Lona Marie Stolz and soon after had son Michael II and daughter Shawn Marie.

Mike began his career in the early 1970s as an assistant football coach and social studies teacher at Dowling Catholic High School. With aspirations of high school leadership roles, Mike became head football coach and a teacher in Hubbard and Cherokee Iowa. Mike eventually became a High School principal and football coach at Wellsburg Steamboat Rock High School where he and Loni spent the most time raising their family. After the kids went to college, Mike and Loni moved to Eagle Grove and eventually Belle Plaine, Iowa; it was there that Mike retired as superintendent of schools. Mike and Loni returned to West Des Moines, Iowa to be closer to their children and grandchildren in retirement.

Mike was happiest watching his grandchildren in sports and music, attending ISU, Dowling & East High football games with his friends, or enjoying a home cooked meal from Loni.

Mike will be deeply missed by his children, Mike (wife Megan, children Flynn, Roan, and Liam) and Shawn Russell (husband Jason, children Chanse, Quinn, and Kiley).

Mike was preceded in death by his loving wife Loni (2021), parents Marion and Lois, and sister Nancy.

A celebration of life was held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to East High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Mike’s name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.