Michael “Mike” LaVerne Caruth, 72, of Nevada, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on July 29, 2026.

Mike was born in Ft. Riley, Kansas on July 6, 1954, to his loving parents, LaVerne Willis and Doris Ethel (Ballantine) Caruth. After graduating from Roland - Story High School in 1972 he joined the Army National Guard of Iowa, which he served in until 1978. During this time, he was stationed in Texas and Kentucky as a helicopter mechanic. He then went on to work alongside his father at the Ellsworth - Williams CO-OP. Mike retired from Manatt’s in Ames, Iowa in 2018.

Mike and his former wife, Julie (Egland), had 3 children together (Melinda, Jason, & Nick). Mike married Shari (Blanchard) on October 17, 1998, and welcomed her daughter (Miranda) into his family as well. Mike and Shari completed their family when they welcomed their daughter (Alison) into the world.

Anyone who knew Mike knew of his love of rock music. He played drums for the Ames rock band “Vivace” for 17 years and you could always find him “drumming” along to music with his hands on the steering wheel of his vehicle. He also enjoyed classic cars, visiting the gun range, NASCAR, Kansas City Chiefs football, and was a WWE superfan. Mike adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them whenever he could, whether that was at home, family events, the Goodguys Car Show, Adventureland, the Iowa State Fair, or live WWE events. He always had a story or a joke that would put a smile on your face and loved his family fiercely. He will be missed dearly and will forever be remembered.

Mike is survived by his wife Shari, his mother Doris of Stratford, Iowa, his children: Melinda Caruth of Boone, Iowa, Jason Caruth of Webster City, Iowa, Nick Caruth of Des Moines, Iowa, Miranda Blanchard of Nevada, Iowa, and Alison Caruth of Cedar Falls, Iowa, his 4 grandchildren: Cameron Groat, Rachel Breon, Gavin Blanchard, and Jackson Blanchard, and his sister Lurene (Arlen) Oakland of Ankeny, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his father LaVerne and his brother Brian Caruth.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at SCORE Pavilion in Nevada, Iowa. All are welcome to attend, feel free to wear informal attire.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.