October 24, 200916 yr Heard on another forum that Mike Ameling, "Mikey that grumpy old German blacksmith," has died. Anyone have details? Very, very sorry to hear this.Obituaries Michael Ameling (August 26, 1953 - October 23, 2009) Michael Ameling, age 56, of Dorchester, Iowa, died on Friday, October 23, 2009, at his home, from natural causes. Private family services will be held at a later date.
October 24, 200916 yr Ya beat me to it. All I know is that he died in his sleep. I don't believe it was expected.
October 24, 200916 yr That's not good news to hear. I always enjoyed reading his posts and learning about the items he made. I'll be praying for his family. Sad to be loosing a contributor like that.
October 24, 200916 yr I so hope this is a mistake. I have never met or spoken directly to him, but he frequented a number of forums I use and always had interesting and knowledgeable advice he would freely give. I'm a bit lost for words to be honest..... My thoughts are with his family and friends Steve.
October 24, 200916 yr although i dont know him, i send my condolences to family and friends. he will be missed.
October 24, 200916 yr He will be sadly missed. I thoroughly enjoyed his contributions to the forum. Very knowledgeable and freely passed on that knowledge to anyone who wanted it. I never met him myself, but feel like I knew him well through IFI. Rest in Peace, Mike. I'll ring my anvil in your honor!
October 24, 200916 yr if that is correct, what a sad day. does someone know where he is from, so we might check the obituaries, get the service information, etc.
October 25, 200916 yr ahhhh man that makes me sad, one of my first Blacksmith projects was a Viking style flint striker that i saw in one of his posts and he even posted more for my use..well every bodies but to help me out all the same, i hope he knew my appreciation for his help and his inspiration. It is a shame to loose a good and helpful man and my sympathies go out to those he left behind. Mike i hope you made heaven an hour before the devil knew you were gone!
October 25, 200916 yr Very sad day, always reading his post. Thoughts and prayers for his family and other loved ones.
October 25, 200916 yr OMG! What a sad, sad bit of news!!!! I like Mike and his posts very much! I shurly hope it is not true...
October 25, 200916 yr Does anyone have a confirmation on this? I tried checking all the newspapers I could find online in his area (NE Iowa according to his user info) and could find nothing on the obituaries online. His last post on here that I could find was 09-07-2009. If anyone knows anything for sure, please update us on any info you have.
October 25, 200916 yr That's a sad thing to hear. It appears to be true.Hamilton's Funeral Home Jamie
October 25, 200916 yr Dear Mike, I didn't know you from a hole in the wall. But you were a smith, and so I am positive you were a good man. Goodbye and God bless your soul.
October 25, 200916 yr Polarbear, thanks for the help. I have 2 personal friends that have known Mike for long time in smithing. No obit is posted yet (other than the name). As is with my own hometown, the paper is published once a week. I don't believe his hometown (Dorchester) has a paper. Decorah (county seat) does but is published on Thursday. If in fact the name listed on the funeral home link you posted is the same fella that posts here then his death is listed as Friday 23rd. I am sure more will be revealed as time passes. His home is about as far north in the state as mine is south. His historical knowledge and skill will be missed worldwide. I am sure more will be revealed as time passes. Edited October 25, 200916 yr by Ten Hammers
October 25, 200916 yr Well it is definitely him and he is another good friend gone. Thanks to TenHammers for calling me. Mike was a good friend and a true scholar. Anything he made was true to the period and any research was as solid as can be. His compassion was contagious and he always had the neatest things, books, tools to show and share. He also made great cookies which he usually (always it seems) brought to the get-togethers where I saw him. Another good friend in this life's journey...Schluter-Balik Funeral Home : Decorah, Iowa (IA)
October 25, 200916 yr This is sad news indeed, I always found Mike's posts fascinating and informative. His contributions will indeed be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Ian Ross
October 25, 200916 yr Schluter-Balik Funeral Home : Decorah, Iowa (IA) >obituaries > Michael Ameling Obituaries Michael Ameling (August 26, 1953 - October 23, 2009) Michael Ameling, age 56, of Dorchester, Iowa, died on Friday, October 23, 2009, at his home, from natural causes. Private family services will be held at a later date.
October 25, 200916 yr Godspeed Mike, A tap on the anvil for you and condolences to your family and friends. Your wit and wisdom will be missed . . .
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