White, Michael R.

Michael R. White, 65, of Newton, formerly of Washington, died Monday evening, May 14, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines. Memorial Services: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 20, at St. Mary's Parish Hall, Williamsburg. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Hall. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, is in charge of arrangements.

Michael is survived by his wife, Marsha (Stahl Driscoll); his children, Wendi White, Jeff White, Amy Pitt, Carisa Driscoll, Larry Driscoll, Cameron Driscoll and Keelan Driscoll; 10 grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Maxwell.

Michael Robert White was born April 18, 1947, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Roscoe and Eunice (Clingman) White. He graduated from Pekin High School in 1965 and then graduated from William Penn College in 1969. Mike married Karolyn Greeson on June 3, 1967. The couple later divorced. He married Marsha on Aug. 30, 2003, in Linby, Iowa. The couple resided in Newton.

Mike was a teacher and coach for many years at Washington High School. He later owned and operated Mike White Builders and White's Country Greenhouse in Washington, Iowa. He continued his education at the University of Iowa, receiving his master's degree and doctorate in special education while working at Mid Prairie. Most recently Mike was a special education consultant for the Heartland Area Education Agency.

Mike was always an advocate for youth and will be remembered by those students whose lives he inspired. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Above all else, Mike loved his family, and he cherished the time he spent with them.

A memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.klosterfuneralhome.com.

Published May 18, 2012 in The Gazette