Michael Harold Pottebaum

Michael Pottebaum, age 62, of Alton, IA passed away Monday, December 8th, 2025 at Orange City Area Health System.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday December 12, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton, IA with Father Dan Greving officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alton, IA. Visitation with family present will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday December 11, 2025. There will be a rosary and vigil prayer service at 5p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton, IA. Services have been entrusted to Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen, IA. Condolences may be sent online to www.fischfh.com.

Michael Harold Pottebaum was born September 3, 1963 to Ferd & Florence (Fischer) Pottebaum in Le Mars, IA. He was the 8th child out of 10 children. He was raised on the rural farm outside of Alton and received his education from Spalding Catholic School Graduating from high school in 1982. Mike continued and completed his education at Western Iowa Tech. (WITCC) with Police Science. Mike was an avid baseball fan, playing throughout high school career and playing slow pitch in Granville afterwards.

Mike met the love of his life, Julie Harpenau and was united in marriage on June 6, 1992 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen. Mike and Julie made their home in Alton. Throughout Mike’s career, he held a variety of positions. He was a supervisor at Harkers then moving onto Advance Brands. He also worked many years at the Sioux County Sheriff's office. Mike ended his working career at Agropur, retiring in 2023. Mike was a die hard fan of the New York Yankees and Iowa Hawkeyes. Attending several games, with Julie by his side, throughout his lifetime. Mike could strike up a conversation with everyone he met. Giving his quirky facts or life advice Mike knew it all. Saying, “Cash is King” or “You cannot fix stupid.” Mike and Julie traveled to 41 out of 50 states. Mike was a so-called history buff and knew several facts of different states or historical sites. You could always find some words of wisdom with Mike around. Mike was a big bowler as well. Traveling to several tournaments with friends and family. Mike will always be remembered by his kindness to others, quick wit and jokes, and always ready to place a bet. Another one of Mike's favorite pastimes was going to casinos. He would have his weekly rotations of going to the casinos with his sisters and brothers, in hopes of winning it big everytime. Mike's presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of his stories, jokes, and heartfelt words will continue to echo in the hearts of those who loved him. Michael was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and Catholic Order of Foresters.

Survivors include his wife, Julie of Alton; four brothers Tom (Karen) Pottebaum of Granville, IA, Gordon (LouAnn) Pottebaum of Sheldon,IA, Leonard Pottebaum of Alton,IA, Merlin Pottebaum of Alton,IA; five sisters, Beverly(Charles) Brewer of Sioux City,IA, Donna Pottebaum of Sioux Fall,SD, Dolores Ruba of Alton IA, Rosalie (Michael) Brady of Marcus, IA, Mary Ellen (Paul) Wilkens of Marcus IA; four brothers-in-law, Jack (Donna) Harpenau of Waterloo, IN, Doug (Judy) Harpenau of LaCrescent, MN, Frank (Heather) Harpenau of LaCrosse, WI and Rodney (Michelle) Harpenau of Smithville, MO; two sisters-in-law, Connie (Mark) Seible of LeMars,IA, and Laurie Lint of Friendswood, TX,; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Robert and Jeanette Harpenau and great-niece, Hensley Mae.

Casket bearers will be, Benjamin Brady, Jonathan Seible, Ryan Harpenau, Cory Pottebaum, Dustin Poeckes and Steve Nacke.

Honorary casket bearers will be the many and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews that Mike loved as his own.