"Shelley, Tatum, Thor and Tenille, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you His peace, peace that passes all understanding. We have never met such an awesome family as you five were. You faith and love of Christ just radiated from you. Your eyes glistened with Christ?s love. As Michael struggled the last three years your faith was evident at all times, When Michael entered those gates of Heaven, as he ran into the arms of Jesus, Jesus whispered in Michael?s ear, ?welcome home good and faithful servant. ? Tatum, Thor and Tenille your mom and dad introduced Jesus to you. When you get to Heaven your dad will take your hand and introduce you Jesus in person. Shelley, he will hug you and say, come meet our Lord and Savior. Hang on to all the amazing memories you have. God bless you all. ?????Donnie and Marcia"
In loving memory of
Michael A. Phelps
May 19, 1970 - July 27, 2020
After a three year battle with cancer, Michael Phelps (50) passed away July 27, 2020 at Kossuth Regional Health center in Algona, IA. He was surrounded by family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Titonka. Funeral services will be on Friday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Algona. Social distancing practices will be followed, and the family encourages people to wear masks. Funeral service will be live streamed at firstalgona.org
Michael Allan Phelps, was born on May 19, 1970 in Britt, IA to Merle and Margaret (Brandt) Phelps. He attended Titonka schools and graduated in 1988. In high school, he enjoyed FFA and shop classes. He continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg where he graduated from the farm mechanics program.
Michael's first job was at John Deere in Truman, MN. He loved tractors, but quickly decided that the big dealership lifestyle was not for him. He then took a job at Blachowski Trucking in Fairmont, MN. Michael's love of Iowa and family brought him home to Iowa where he worked at Geise Concrete. In 1994, Michael took a position with Kossuth County in the mechanic shop and then transferred to the Secondary Road Department. Michael loved his work and took great pride in doing his job well. He worked for 2 years with cancer, scheduling chemo treatments so he wouldn't have to miss a whole day of work. Sadly, March 5th was his last day doing what he loved.
While Michael loved his job, his heart was in farming. He never got the opportunity to farm on his own, but found ways to fill his need to be in a tractor. For many years, he helped Jerry Johnson in the fall. He lived for those days to get off work, drive up to Ledyard, and work late into the night with his great friend.
Michael married Shelley Pedelty on August 8, 1998 in Clear Lake, Iowa. To their marriage, they were blessed with three children: Tatum (19), Thor (17) and Tenille (12). Michael and Shelley started Phelps Mowing in 2005 and enjoyed growing their business together. They continued to mow until 2018 when Michael's cancer made it too difficult.
Michael is survived by Shelley, Tatum, Thor and Tenille of Algona; his parents, Merle and Margaret Phelps of Titonka; one sister, Marsha (Matt) Oberbroeckling of Lisle, IL. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Doneta Pedelty, of Clear Lake; sister-in-law, Kristi Sly and her daughter Cora Jane of Altoona, IA; brother-in-law, Alan Bernhard and sons Luke and Joshua of Bancroft as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Bernard and Leita Phelps and Harley and Elida Brandt; and sister-in-law Kimberly Bernhard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. A fund will be established for his children; Tatum, Thor and Tenille.
Tributes
"Sympathy to all of you as you morn Michaels passing. When you are having a bad day feeling blue just remember all of the memories that you hold dear in your heart. Henry & Debbie "
"We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful young man, especially the dad and husband and son of such a loving family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Debby and Frank Srogota"
"My prayers and deepest sympathy to the Phelps family. I worked with Mike many times over the years we worked for the County Road Department. I always knew Mike to work willingly until the task was accomplished. After talking to him last winter I could understand that his battle was coming to a close, and he understood his fate. Rest In Peace, Mike. "
"So very sorry for your loss. I was going to attend the funeral but just found out that one on my grandchildren that I played with was exposed to covid on tuesday, so I will not risk exposing you and yours. Rest in peace Michael. Rex Bristow"
"So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to all. "
"So very sorry for your loss! May your memories help you in the days ahead. ~~Rick & Deb Schutter"
"God bless the memory of Michael Phelps, child of God. I began knowing Michael through our Bible study at First Lutheran. He knew the Bible, and I learned from him. He was a warrior through the fight with cancer. I love and will miss you Michael."
"To Mike\'s whole family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was always so nice and had a smile on his face whenever we saw him. Our prayers to all of you in his loss. Bob and Nita Boleneus"
"My heart goes out to Shelley, Tatum, Thor and Tenille. I met Michael through Shelley and quickly found a connection through our cancer journeys. We enjoyed talking at church on Wednesdays and Sundays. I will miss our chats."