Charles M. “Mike” Ansel, age 76, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 8:01 a.m., on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Harmony Dubuque.  To honor Mike’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 2:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Jeff Frieden officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post 6 and the Tri-State Vietnam Veterans.

Mike was born on August 2, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Charles K. and Ruby I. (Oldner) Ansel.

Mike graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1966.  In October of 1966, he began serving his country with the U.S. Army in the 198th Infantry Brigade, 1st Battalion 52nd Infantry Regiment in Vietnam.  He was honorably discharged in October of 1968, continuing to serve in the Reserves until 1976.  After returning home from the service, Mike attended Madison Area Technical College for electronics and would put the knowledge he attained to good use in his working career.  Mike was employed in the Experimental Division of John Deere Dubuque Works as a Mechanic/Electronic Technician for 40 years, retiring in 2010.  He was married to the love of his life, Linda Buelow, on May 1, 1971.  The couple has been truly blessed with 5 wonderful children and 52 years of married life together.  Mike was a very active member of his community.  He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, the UAW Local 94, the Tri-State Vietnam Veterans, the American Legion Dubuque Post 6, the V.F.W. and the D.A.V.  He also volunteered at the Veterans Freedom Center, with Reflections in the Park and with the Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department in Kieler, Wisconsin for 15 years.  When Mike found some free time in his days he enjoyed attending athletic events watching his children, especially Women’s Rugby.  Mike was a history buff and took many family adventures across the country.  Some of his favorite trips were going to Colorado every year and an Alaskan cruise with Linda.  He was an avid skier and worked at Sundown Mountain as both a Ski Instructor and with Ski Patrol for several years.  Mike also liked to spend time on the river boating, was very active in canoe racing in the 1980’s and was instrumental in instilling a love of the outdoors in his children.  Mike regularly loaded up the canoes and kids for a trip to various rivers in the tri-state area.  He loved camping with his family and was active in the Boy Scout program as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 48.  Family was always his top priority and Mike was always taking care of everyone trying to make their lives easier.  Mike was an excellent role model, teaching what it means to put others before yourself.  He was reliable, steady and true, always standing up for what was right and fighting for those who could not fight for themselves.  Mike was deeply loved and will be greatly missed!

Those left to cherish Mike’s memory include

his loving wife,
Linda Ansel, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Michelle (Brian) Bahr, Dubuque, IA,
Tonya (Ben Boyle) Ansel, Wondai, Australia,
Andrew Ansel, Washington D.C.,
Jeremy (Laura) Ansel, North Port, FL
and Nicholas “Skip” (DeDe) Ansel, Dubuque, IA;

6 grandchildren,
Trenton, Isabelle, Lucas, Charlotte, Huckleberry and Everett;

his siblings,
Sheila Sharkey, Dubuque, IA,
Steve (Carol) Ansel, Colorado Springs, CO,
Nancy Leslein, Dubuque, IA
and Kevin (Stephanie Niedert) Ansel, Waverly, IA;

his in-laws,
Barb (Mel) Green, Dubuque, IA,
David Buelow, Dubuque, IA,
Al (Geri) Buelow, Asbury, IA,
Doris Buelow, Tioga, LA
and Dan Tuegel, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dennis (Betty) Ansel; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Erwin and Dorothy Buelow; his in-laws, Tom Sharkey, Norm Dorst, Al Stuart, Sandie Buelow, Richard Buelow and Donna Tuegel; and his faithful dog, Copper.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Mike’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Mike Ansel Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com