Obituary of Michael P. Bales

On Tuesday, March 24th the world said goodbye for now to Michael "Mikey" Paul Bales at age 40. Mikey was born February 12th, 1980 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. From that day forward, he spent his life doing what he did best, making people smile. Mikey was known for being a quiet guy and waiting for his moment to throw out an unexpected witty comment that would sometimes catch you off guard. He had a great sense of humor. Mikey was an 'old soul' who loved to live a simple life in this hectic world. His favorite thing in life was to just sit withvfamily and friends and talk and enjoy being around those that he cared about. He was the kind of person that most of us wish we could be and he will be missed. Mikey was also a huge sports fan. He was rarely seen without his Detroit Red Wings jersey topped off with a hat turned backwards on his head. If there was a football or hockey game, he was either watching or somehow keeping up with the score. It was something else that he could talk with everyone about. He was also an avid lover of music (all genres) and fishing. There was never a brush pile too big to stop him from getting to the water. Mikey also had a knack for meeting new people and making friends. Whether it was a coworker, a neighbor, or if he met you in 3rd grade, once you met him, you were a friend for life. He had a special way of relating to everyone in some form and never looked down on anyone. Whether he knew you for 1 day or 30 years, you were his good friend forever. Mikey will be missed by many. His mother Sandra Gehrke of Ankeny, Iowa, his father Steven Bales of Des Moines, his older sister Tammy (and Don) Miller of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and older brother Andrew (and Carrie) Van Weelden of Waukee, Iowa. He will also hold a special place in his nieces and nephews hearts forever. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Don and Viola Kamerick of Pella, and Leo and Janice Bales of Des Moines. No public services are planned for Mikey at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced for all friends and family to gather. We hope to see you there to share the many stories that we've all experienced with Mikey. Even though Mikey is no longer with us and we'll never hear his goofy voice again, we'll all still remember the many great times we've had with the goofball and be better people because of him. We'll miss ya brother. Love always: Mom, Dad, Andy and Tammy