Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Michael John Musel, 74, of Urbandale, IA, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, IA.

Mike was born October 22, 1945, to Bernard and Arlene (Rebik) Musel in Belle Plaine, IA. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1963 and attended Iowa State University for two years where he was in the US Army ROTC program. He then enlisted in the US Army and received his Commission as a Second Lieutenant from the Officer Candidate School, serving 18 months in Vietnam as an Engineer Officer. After his tour of duty, he returned home, working with his father on the family farm outside Chelsea, IA, before taking over the farm and raising his two sons. In 1979, Mike left farming and took a job with the Farm Administration of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Spencer, IA, and in 1980, joined the Iowa Army National Guard as a Captain commanding Alpha Battery, 194th Field Artillery Battalion. He also served in the 185th Training Regiment, Joint Forces Headquarters, and the State Area Command as a Mobilization Officer. He retired from the National Guard after 25 years of service. After retiring from the USDA in 2005, Mike followed his true passion and became a historian at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum until his passing.

Mike was a voracious reader, an accomplished military historian, and played the accordion, fiddle, and piano. He was a proud and active member of the 34th Infantry Division Association where he served as treasurer for the past 15 years.

He is survived by his sons, Nicholas (Katie York) Musel of Springfield, VA, and Alex (Justina) Musel of Platte City, MO; his beloved grandchildren Dylan, Sadie, and Madelyn; and his siblings; Ann (Larry) Shilhanek of Strawberry Point, IA, Carol (Rick) Petersen, Belle Plaine, IA, Doug (Rose) Musel of Vinton, IA, Phylis (Dennis) Kurriger of Belle Plaine, IA, Mary (Jeff) Hunzinger of Lee's Summit, MO, Jane (Charles) Gustafson of Colorado Springs, CO, and David (Mike Fortunato) Musel of Washington, DC. Mike is preceded in death by his parents.

Due to the current pandemic, there will be a private family burial Saturday, April 18, 2020, at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Chelsea, IA, with military honors. There will be a public memorial in August 2020 at Camp Dodge. A separate announcement will be made at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation made in his name to the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 Northwest 70th Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.