Michael William Wichtendahl was born April 24, 1992, in Algona to Vern and Twila (Bilbrey) Wichtendahl. Michael grew up in rural Lotts Creek and graduated from Algona Community High School in 2010. He was finishing his second year at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville majoring in Media Broadcasting.

Michael had a great smile and an infectious laugh. He spent much of his time working on his car and on his man-cave in the barn loft. In his school years, he was active in Quiz Bowl, band, Model United Nations, Academic Decathlon, baseball, football, golf, and helping coach Whittemore Little League. He also worked at the Algona KFC for three years. He enjoyed music of all kinds, nature, and discussing sports. Michael was a friend to all, especially children and generations older than him. While in school he made it his goal to meet and get to know everyone on a first name basis.

Michael fought hard to recover from injuries he received in an automobile accident on November 4, 2011. He died with his family at his side on Friday, November 25, 2011, at the age of 19.

He is survived by his parents, Vern and Twila Wichtendahl of Lotts Creek; three sisters and one brother, Angela Wichtendahl and her husband Josh Rusch of Algona, Emily Wichtendahl of Mason City, Suzanne Wichtendahl of Algona, and Jonathan Wichtendahl of Lotts Creek. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Roy and Lila Bilbrey of Panora; his paternal grandparents, Delbert and Elaine Wichtendahl of Whittemore; two aunts and three uncles, Pastor Steve (Cheryl) Wichtendahl of Guthrie Center, Paul (Mary) Wichtendahl of Good Thunder, MN, Carmen (Bill) O'Brien of Marion, Jean (David) Peninger of Cheraw, SC, and Charlie (Beth) Bilbrey of Panora; special friend Lauren Wiederholt of Algona; and many cousins and close friends.

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