June 28, 1956 - September 28, 2026
Born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Resided in Van Meter
Michael Dean Robu, 70, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife and son by his side, following a 10-year journey with cancer. He met those years with remarkable strength and mental toughness, remaining engaged in his life through his final day.
Michael was born at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, June 28, 1956, and raised in Independence, Iowa, with his parents and siblings. From an early age, he demonstrated the drive, curiosity and determination that would characterize his life. In his youth, he lettered in football, basketball and track. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was nominated to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Michael was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where he specialized in electronics and worked with the SR-71 Blackbird and B-52 bomber programs. Between deployments, he also attended The Ohio State University.
Following his service, Michael built a long and successful career in computer technology, including positions with Tandem Computers and Compaq, eventually becoming part of Hewlett-Packard.
After 26 years in the computer industry, Michael retired from HP at age 55. Retirement, however, didn’t last. As data center development grew in the Des Moines area, Michael began an encore career with Microsoft, where he spent more than a decade. As a Senior Technical Program Manager, he was highly respected by his colleagues and set an exceptionally high standard for his work through his final year. His colleagues knew that when Michael took responsibility for something, it would be done right. He was generous with his time and knowledge, taking newer colleagues under his wing and teaching them with patience until they felt confident on their own. He was always the first to thank others and make sure they received credit, and the last to ask for any himself. He brought calm to difficult situations, made the people around him better, and was a friend to all.
Michael’s determination was part of a larger philosophy he carried into every part of his life. He would wake each morning asking, “What am I going to do to make today count?” And then he did.
Michael’s interests and accomplishments over the years included flying planes, home building and managing a portfolio of rental properties. But one of the roles of which he was especially proud was serving his community as a volunteer reserve police officer for the City of Cedar Rapids. Michael volunteered for 12 years and in 1996 was named Reserve Officer of the Year.
In 2004, Michael married the love of his life, Karen, in a ceremony performed by her father, the Reverend Ronald Hall. Michael and Karen shared 22 years of marriage and an extraordinary love story in which Karen always knew she was deeply cherished. Together they traveled the world, built her business and created a beautiful life with their son, Ryan, and many beloved pets.
Michael enjoyed golf and proudly scored a hole-in-one while playing with his best friend, Troy Nogelmeier, at the Tama-Toledo Country Club. He loved entertaining a crowd and hosting family and friends. He had an unforgettable sense of humor and delighted in a good practical joke. He was also deeply sentimental, holding on to his first car from high school, his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro convertible. Michael was known as a peacemaker. He instinctively looked for the best in others, believing in their good intentions and often finding common ground where others could not.
Of all the titles Michael held throughout his life, none meant more to him than Pop Pop. Michael shared an especially close bond with his grandson, Finn. Their days together often ended on the front porch as the sun went down. “Time for sunset” was a simple tradition the whole family enjoyed.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jeanette Robu, and his brother, Kenny Robu.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Robu; his stepson, Ryan Stivers (fiancée Beatriz Solis); his grandson, Finn; and his heart-held future grandchildren, Leo and Leah; his sisters, Vicky (Mike) Goble and Debbie (Jim) Auer; his brother, Dave Robu; his stepmother, Patricia Robu; and his aunt, Kay (Gary) Bannick, with whom he shared a lifelong, sibling-like bond.
He was a legend to those who knew him, and that legacy continues.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, at Iles Jordan Creek Chapel, 7150 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa. A luncheon will follow the service. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Jordan Creek Chapel.
Those wishing to honor Michael’s memory may make a memorial contribution to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport.
Mike and I collaborated between DC and CE on projects at DSM05. As a fellow former police officer, we discussed news events around police work and training frequently; swapping cop stories. Aside from those interactions we would converse and discuss the trajectories of our verticals whether the collaborative efforts were working well, or if someone else should be included in the conversation. I valued his input and, even more, his friendship.
Michael played a huge role in my life and career. He helped me get started in IT at HP, and 10 years later helped recommend me for a role at Microsoft. I owe him a lot for where I am at in life now. Hopefully he forgave me for the time I had one of his spread sheets open and left the filters, which made it appear like data was missing. Lol.
Michael was always busy doing many things at once. There was always a home project, car project or side business he was working on. He always seemed to have the energy and motivation to take on something else. He will be greatly missed!!
My time working on the DSM05 management team with Michael Robu is still a time I look back fondly in my career. Michael kept us grounded in an industry that consistently pushed us to do more with less. One of my favorite quotes of his. “You know what automation is right? A way to make mistakes faster.” His old school attitude and robust experience helped me a lot through my first few years of being Microsoft management. He was a good man, the world is worse off without him.
I very much enjoyed getting to meet Michael and Karen when they moved into our neighborhood. Michael was a kind, steady presence who was always willing to help. He loved Karen in a way few will ever experience, they were so blessed to have each other for 22 years of wedded bliss.
Im private with my feelings of grief but i do want his wife to know her husband was one of the best people i got the privilege of knowing and working with. As a woman in a male dominated field he made me feel safe. Im glad he was surrounded by love and not in pain . I didnt want to put this in the group chat but this is my piece:
Michael was someone who was always willing to help others. He listened, he joked, he laughed, and he stood up for what was right. He didn’t tolerate things that were unjust, and he wasn’t afraid to speak up when something needed to be said.
He taught me so many technical things over the years, but what I learned most from him was the mindset it takes to work in this industry—the patience, confidence, resilience, and willingness to keep learning and helping the people around you.
I always joked that I was going to adopt him as my grandparent because, at the end of the day, that’s a little bit of what he felt like to me. He was a rock—someone steady, dependable, and always there with knowledge, advice, a joke, or an honest opinion when you needed one.
I’m incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to know him, learn from him, and laugh with him. He made an impact on me that went far beyond the technical things he taught me, and I know I’ll carry those lessons with me for a very long time.
I sm so sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathies to you, Karen and all of Mikes family. I didn’t know Mike and Karen well, although we have been neighbors for several years, Mike always had a kind word if we saw him outside. God bless and hold all your wonderful memories close to your heart.
Mike was the very first DCPM I worked with better than 10 years ago; he helped me navigate the world of Microsoft right from the start. I always knew he could help with an issue and if he didn’t, he knew who to talk to and was always willing to share that information. I will miss him and especially miss being able to talk with him. He was a good friend and mentor. My deepest sympathies to all of Mike’s family.
I’ll always be grateful for Michael’s friendship and the part he played in helping me get to where I am today. He shared his experience, encouraged me, and helped me see possibilities for myself, even when I wasn’t sure of them. Together, we fought the hard-fought battles of the DSM campus, working through challenge after challenge, leaning on each other and playing to each other’s strengths. But what I’ll treasure most are our many, many conversations while playing ping pong at DM, talking about business, life, and what the future might hold. Those moments were so much more than a break in the workday; they were a chance to learn from each other, laugh, and build a friendship that mattered deeply to me. I hope to honor his memory by continuing to be there for others with the same kindness and encouragement he always showed me. I’ll always appreciate the conversations, shared laughs, and life lessons, and I hope his family can find some measure of peace during this difficult time. He’ll be deeply missed.
I first met Michael when he was a new employee about thirteen years ago, and I am fortunate to have known him for so many years. He brought a sense of pride to everything he did: he was responsible, accountable, and held himself to the highest standard. But what I remember most was the way he treated people. He was fair, warm, genuine, and generous. He was a person you could rely on, and the kind of colleague who quickly became a friend.
He was respected for his work, but he was loved for being the person he was. I will miss him, as will many others who had the privilege of knowing him.
Michael you meant the world to me, you joined the b-side squad, which was already over powered but you showed us all up. You were not just incredible to work with but one of the best humans I ever met. Even After you advanced beyond the basic responsibilities in the data center you continued to show us unique and creative ways of getting the job done. I still remember a time where I got upset that you found a non-contiguous set of ports while doing some RAP, and while it didn’t fit the mould of our work it was a great solution and allowed us to expand. At the time i was likely jealous I didn’t think of it. In reflection I shouldn’t have looked at it this way, you always had a way of seeing what others couldn’t! In a way I am still jealous I will never be able to leave a mark on this earth like you did! However I did listen and learn from your particular patience and understanding of others. You always told me everyone has potential it’s up to me to see it through. I am so grateful I got to meet you and learn from you! You will forever be missed, more than you’ll ever know!
Michael was truly a stand-up man who represented integrity, pride, and character in everything he did. I cherished our friendship, and it was an honor and a privilege to have worked alongside him. He will be deeply missed….
Guaranteed delivery before Michael's memorial service begins.
Iles Jordan Creek Chapel
7150 Ashworth Road
West Des Moine, IA 50266
Iles Jordan Creek Chapel
7150 Ashworth Road
West Des Moine, IA 50266
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