Michael Stoebe

Michael Gregory Stoebe was born on February 3, 1995 to Dr. Elizabeth and Kurt Stoebe in Humboldt, IA. He died peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 18th from complications relating to brain cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 24th at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Indian Mound Cemetery south of Humboldt, IA. A visitation will take place Monday, September 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. at Laufersweiler Funeral Home.

Michael is survived by his brother John and fiancée Lauren Richard (Chicago, IL); aunts and uncles Gregory and Denise Stoebe (Humboldt), Richard and Sue Eads (Marshalltown, IA), John and Roxana Webster, Thomas Webster and Carol Messerly, Kittie Webster (Milford), Robert and Marilyn Webster (McDonough, GA), Barbara Ann Fitzgerald and numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by grandparents Harlyn and Nola Stoebe (Humboldt), Howard and Mary Alice Webster; cousin Andrew Stoebe (Humboldt); aunt Mary Schafer (Ames) and uncles Mike Schafer (Ames). Mark Webster, James Webster (Milford) and Gregory Fitzgerald.

Michael was diagnosed with "Medulloblastoma with descending mets" at age 6. He lost his ability to walk as a result of the disease and treatment. Greatly beating all lifespan estimates, he courageously battled cancer and complications for twenty-three years, through six craniotomies, radiation, chemotherapy, numerous other surgeries and myriad complications. He received treatment at facilities nationwide.

Michael graduated from the Humboldt Community Schools in 2014. He worked at Walgreens and attended Lifeworks, vocational rehab. Michael lived with his parents his entire life.

Despite the limitations that cancer wrought, he optimistically faced life with an infectious smile, wry sense of humor and unbending Faith. His Special Olympics medals were some of his most prized possessions. Daily, he dictated revisions to his Christmas lists.

"The Mighty Mikester" and his devoted Teacup Poodle "Daisy" accompanied his family while perched in the passenger seat to Iowa City, Okoboji, theme parks, the Kentucky Derby, horse farms, zoos, museums, shopping malls, sporting events, Hawkeye Bowl games and insufferable train shows.

Michael was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and loved to engage Viking and Bears fans in spirited debate. He was especially proud of a spontaneous visit to the Packer locker room to meet Brett Favre and the team following a "come from behind" victory at the Metrodome. This led Favre to bestow the nickname "Good Luck Charm" on Michael.

Michael was also a lifelong Star Wars and Godzilla fan. He enjoyed nothing more than drifting off to sleep at Okoboji watching "Return of the Jedi" or "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" Michael was also an accomplished "gamer" and loved playing Mario Party, Gears of War and Lego Star Wars. Often, he could be found ensconced in his bedroom playing in front of his roaring fireplace, swigging Propel and shouting spirited epithets at his adversaries.

The family thanks the physicians and staff of University of Iowa HealthCare, Unity Point Health in Fort Dodge, the Fort Dodge Fire Department, the Webster County Sheriff's Department, numerous volunteer first responders, as well as all the other caregivers that aided Michael in his fight most especially Barb Fitzgerald, Ron and Pat Wasoba, Charles Weatherwax, and Karen Taylor Burton.

Memorials may be left to Lifeworks and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.