Michael Gunnar Metzger

MICHAEL GUNNAR METZGER

Iowa City

Michael Gunnar Metzger, 56, died in the early morning of Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, when the Cessna 150 he was piloting with his son, Jacob Metzger, crashed while trying to land in Festus, Mo.

Michael was born on June 13, 1962, in Topeka, Kan. He grew up around planes. Mike started flying when he was just 13 years old. From there, he joined the U.S. Army. He later transferred to the U.S. Air Force and finally to the Iowa National Guard. During this time, he also flew Med-Evac helicopters, most notably for the University of Iowa Hospitals. Once retired from the military, he began flying commercially for American Airlines. He was very active in the local aviation community where he lived in Hillsboro, Mo., and was a CO in the Missouri Commemorative Air Force.

In his free time, he was absolutely devoted to his children. He would carry their pictures with him and talk about them to anyone who would listen. He was a true nature lover and was always excited to talk about his hummingbirds and the waterfall he always wanted in his backyard.

Michael is survived by three children, Aly, JC and Shane Metzger; and his fiancee, Margo Smith.

A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Mike's life will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. His remains will be buried in his hometown of Collins, N.Y., along with those of his son, Jacob. A private family service will be held in New York this weekend. To share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.