Michael Carl Laverty, the son of Carl and Ruth (Motzek) Laverty, was born June 15, 1947, in Council Bluffs, IA. He died at his home, on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at the age of 71 years, 11 months, and 24 days.

Mike grew up in Minden, Ia. He and his family moved to Elliott, when he was in 5 ^th grade. He graduated from Griswold High School with the class of 1967. During his high school years, Mike was an outstanding athlete and held many records. On October 29, 1967, he was united in marriage to Karen Tietz at St. John's UCC. Two children were born to this union, Wendy and Brandon. Mike was drafted into the Army in the spring of 1968. He was stationed in Germany, where he and Karen spent two years, before returning to the United States. After being honorably discharged, Mike worked at the Mobile Station in Lyman before he began farming in 1973. In 1990, he and Karen moved to their current home south of Lewis.

Mike was a member of St. John's UCC, the Griswold American Legion, Griswold Golf and Country, and the Cattleman's Association. Mike's greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved all the family trips they were able to take during the past few years. He also enjoyed farming, golfing, and spending time with numerous friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ruth; his in-laws, Morris and Nina Tietz; his sister-in-law Jeanne Knight; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Tietz and Steve Schroeder.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of 51 years; daughter Wendy Cross and husband Troy; son Brandon Laverty and wife Abby; grandchildren: Kendra and Kalee Cross, and Reese, Dain, and Rylie Laverty; sisters, Carol Schroeder, Carleene Paine, and Chris King; sisters-in-law, Marcy Tietz, and Shirley Mueller and husband Darwyn; and brother-in-law, Ernie Knight. Mike is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at 11:00 AM at St. John's UCC, south of Lyman. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM at the Griswold Community Building. A memorial fund has been established. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of arrangements.