Michael “Mike” Max Darling was born October 12, 1946, to Max and Betty Darling in Sac City, Iowa. He passed away June 9, 2022, at his home at the age of 75.
Mike grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa and received his diploma from Fort Dodge High School. He enlisted in the military and served in the Army in Korea during the Vietnam War. He also served in the National Guard.
His love of cars and passion for racing led to “bending wrenches” at a young age. After his military service, he put his skills to work and became manager and mechanic at several service stations. This fueled his passion to start his own shop that became Michael’s Auto Service. There he built a loyal customer base in Atlantic, Iowa and raised his family.In his later years he worked for SWIPCO, Priority Express, Atlantic Community Schools and CAM Community Schools. He enjoyed driving a school bus for the kids. He retired in May of 2021.
Mike married his love, Margaret “Maggie” Darling on Oct. 28, 1972. From this union, their two daughters were born, Laura and Kathleen. He was very proud of his family and loved his wife, children and grandchildren dearly. Mike was truly dedicated to Maggie in lifelong love. He is survived by his children, Greg Darling of Omaha, NE, Laura Ninemire and husband, Auby Ninemire of Pella, IA, Kathleen Darling Short and husband, Aaron Short of Des Moines, IA. He is survived by his brother, Chris Darling and wife Sandy Darling of Urbandale, IA.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie Darling and his parents, Max and Betty Rogers Darling.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield. Burial will follow in the Victoria Township Cemetery south of Massena. Full military graveside honors will be conducted by the Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357.
The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.
The family will greet friends on Friday, June 17, 2022, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.
Memorials may be made to the Michael Darling Memorial Fund, to be established by the family at a later date.