Michael Niffenegger

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mike L. Niffenegger, 77, of Kalona will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Richmond, with Father David Brownfield and Deacon Derick Cranston officiating.  Burial will follow at the Sharon Hill Cemetery in Kalona.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 23 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona, where a Prayer Vigil will be held at 1:15PM.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the family's choice.  Mike Niffenegger died Sunday, May 21, 2017 at his home south of Kalona.

Michael Larry Niffenegger was born March 12, 1940 at the Washington County Hospital, the son of Arlis and Muriel I. (Michel) Niffenegger.  He graduated from Kalona High School and on June 17, 1961 he was united in marriage to Joyce Altenhofen at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Richmond.  Mike was the best husband and dad anyone could ever ask for.  Mike "The Flying Dutchman" was best known for his career as a late model race car driver, and is in the Hall of Fame at Hawkeye Downs, Farley and the West Liberty Race Track.   Mike also sold cars, worked at Slabach Construction and grew 200 acres of tomatos for Heinz.  He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and many racing associations.  Mike loved to fish, play cards, play pool and visit and entertain his many friends.  In his younger years he was an excellent swimmer and enjoyed playing golf.   Spending time with his wife and daughter was very important to Mike.

Survivors include his wife Joyce and daughter Julie of Kalona, five siblings: Gerald Niffenegger of Brazil, Ward (Kathy) Niffenegger of Kalona, Bill (Beverly) Niffenegger of Cloud Croft, NM., Dixie (Steve) Schlabaugh of Kalona, Jane (John) Schlabaugh of Kalona, six brothers-in-law: Dennis (Irma) Altenhofen of Washington, Ronald Altenhofen of Chariton, Roger (Mary Ellen) Altenhofen of Washington, Les (Barbara) Altenhofen of Washington, Doug (Bonnie) Altenhofen of Polk City, and Pat (Naomi) Altenhofen of Melcher-Dallas, IA.


Preceding Mike in death were his parents, his father and mother-in-law Maurice (Marcella) Althenhofen and two brothers-in-law Jim (Christy) Altenhofen and Danny (Chris) Altenhofen.