Michele Cardwell

Michele Lynn Cardwell, 54 was unexpectedly called home to God on June 26, 2026. She lived her life as a shining example of courage and inner strength drawn from a series of medical challenges. Her love of family drove her, and she drew strength from the love and support of her family and friends.

Michele was born on July 10, 1971, in Ashville, Ohio to Frank and Sue Miles. There, with her sister Vicki and brother Mike, she learned the foundation of family, her love of animals, the satisfaction that comes from getting your hands in the dirt, and love for her Buckeyes. Michele met her husband Mike in Mason Ohio, where they both worked as firefighters. Courage and compassion are qualities needed to take on this job, which she displayed on a daily basis. She was always most proud of her success as a firefighter, rising to the rank of shift captain. Nicknamed Mighty Mouse, it was these traits which attracted Mike to her, and they were wed on May 1, 1999.

Despite a career-ending injury, Michele refused to let pain define her. She shifted her focus to raising her three boys - Tyler, Aaron, and Dominic. Michele's zest for life and joy of family were always present, especially during celebrations and holidays with her extended families - the Miles in Columbus and the Cardwell's in Cincinnati. In 2008 God's plan took her family from Ohio to Iowa. Here, they set down roots and Michele committed herself in her new community. She lived the mantra of leading through service: PTO, little league baseball, special needs specialist, working at the ARL's Second Chance Ranch, Car 400A to the Urbandale firefighters - she did it all.

The last several years of her life were often interrupted by medical crises. She battled through life-threatening illness, numerous surgeries, and countless trips to the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic. Through it all, her care teams were often amazed at her dogged determination to overcome, her ability to smile through the pain. Each time, she was convinced this would be the last one. Each setback was just another challenge to beat. And each time, her love of family gave her the courage to push through. To those closest to her, a parrothead to the end.

Preceding Michele in God's grace is her mother, Sue Miles

Michele is survived by her father Frank Miles, her husband Mike, their three boys Tyler (Cheyanne), Aaron (Bethany), Dominic, her grandson Waylon, her sister Vicki (Trent) Scott, her brother Mike (Nicole) Miles, in-laws and out-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Public visitation is planned for Thursday July 2nd from 8 to 11 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon, followed by internment at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. A celebration of life will be held at her and Mike's home on Saturday afternoon, July 11th.

In lieu of flowers, the Cardwell family requests donations be made in her name to the Animal Rescue League's Second Chance Ranch: secure.arl-iowa.org.