Michael Jon Stock

Michael Jon “Mick” Stock passed peacefully with his children at his side on August 7, 2025. He is survived by ex-wife, Carol “Petey” Peterson Stock, children: Rebecca “Becky” Stock, Andrew “Andy” Stock (Katie Shelburg), Grandson Michael Hughes (Stephanie Widener), Grand dogs: Draven, Mia, Bailey, and Grand Cats: Calvin, Cleo, Lily, Hobbes, and Attiett.

Mick was born on December 1, 1945 in Mason City, IA. Mick was the middle brother of 3 boys: older Joe and younger Jerry. He grew up in a fun and loving household with his parents Joe ”Wally” Stock and Irene Auestad Stock. They lived for many years in Alton, Illinois, where the boys played in the woods, and had many adventures along the Mississippi River. Growing up in Alton, Mick began caddying at the Lockhaven Golf and Country Club at 12 years old, which began his life-long love of golf. The family moved back to Iowa in 1961 and settled in West Des Moines. Mick graduated from Valley HIgh School in 1964. During High School he worked at Clover Hills Dahls, then Bakers Cafeteria. Mick, along with his Dad and brothers, always had an affinity for cars. Many cars were bought, sold, traded, and worked on in their garage and driveway.

After High School Mick began working at Meredith Printing Company/RR Donnelley & Sons. His roles included: pressman, technical floater, leadman, working foreman, and his favorite - designing and implementing the training and teaching program. Mick retired after working there for over 38 years.

In 1965 Mick joined the United States Army. He often said, “Some of the best AND worst times of my life were in the Army!” He worked on the Nike Hercules Nuclear Air Defense Missile project as a crewman and worked on the Nuclear Missile Warhead team. He served for nearly 3 years in the Army, with 1 year 1 month spent in Korea on the Missile Warheading Team.

After the Army days and back home in West Des Moines, he met Carol “Petey” Peterson. They got married on November 25, 1972 in a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend wedding and fun trip to Chicago for their honeymoon. Mick and Petey welcomed Becky, Andy, and Miranda Jean (a dear stillborn baby) into their loving home a few years later. The family was lucky to live so close to Poppy and Grammy Stock, spending almost every day together. Laughter, joy, love, cats, dogs, rabbits, toy cars, toy horses, leggos, movies, popcorn and all kinds of fun filled the Stock household while the kids grew up.

As the kids were getting older and the threat of the printing plant closure grew, Mick and his brothers discussed opening a used car lot in West Des Moines. It seemed natural, given the family’s affinity for automobiles. Discussion became reality on July 4th, 1994, when Mick opened Stock Motors, Incorporated, with his brother Jerry. They operated on 7th and Railroad for a couple years, then moved to 1101 SW 63rd St, Des Moines. Jerry and Mick parted ways a few years later. Mick owned and operated his business for almost 30 years. Becky, Andy, Carol, and grandson, Michael all worked for the family business. He was very proud to have been able to employ his family for so long. Mick’s perseverance, guts, dedication, brains, commitment and many, many 1990’s era Jeep Cherokees kept his business going through good times and rough times. The stories from the car lot days will keep the family reminiscing for the rest of their days.

Mick was a Christian and a Liberal. He believed in equality, public education, public television, the power of the Union, and the power of the working class. But he was never going to sit and talk to a stranger about politics or religion.

Never a day went by that we did not know how much we were truly loved by our Dad. He was the tallest, smartest and funniest person in the world. We are so truly lucky to have had this life he gave us and all the time we spent together. So when we see a Red Truck driving we will always think of Dad and his humor, his strength, and his love. Please have a Pepsi for Mick.

We will be hosting a celebration of life in a few weeks. Please reach out to a family member if you are interested in attending. Any donations for the memorial may be directed to the family. Email becky.stock56 @ gmail .com