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Charles Michael Beetner, 84, of Mooresville North Carolina, passed away Friday night, August 2nd. He was born June 27th, 1940 in Fort Madison, Iowa, to parents Ray and Myra Beetner. Michael was surrounded by family in his last days, including children Gretchen, Eric, Riley and Kaitlin as well as his wife of 40 years, Sandy. An early interest in computer technology led to his creating the first Computer Engineering major at The University of Iowa and from there, a thriving career in the booming technology and home computing revolution. A lifelong lover of education, he helped computerize standardized testing as well as implementing computerized education systems onto Native American reservations. Later in his career, he played a role in the development of the Microsoft PowerPoint product. After leaving Iowa, Michael's work took him across America including New York City, the Silicon Valley in California and Westport, Connecticut before retiring in Columbus, Ohio, and finally settling in Mooresville. Michael was a dedicated family man, father and grandfather. His two children with his first wife, Linda, were Gretchen and Eric. More than 20 years later with wife Sandy, he became father to Riley and Kaitlin. He is also survived by his younger sister, Vicki McTaggart, younger brother, Rex Beetner and two beloved granddaughters Molly and Gracie. He was a lover of good food (with a sweet tooth), a good dog (particularly Brittany Spaniels) and good entertainment (favorites included classic comedians like Buster Keaton, Abbott & Costello and Laurel & Hardy and films like Harold and Maude). Michael suffered a spinal cord injury in 1990 that left him with walking difficulties and was then diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1994. Throughout these struggles he never let it defeat him. Instead, he lobbied Congress for Stem Cell Research, served on the Ohio Governor's Council for People with Disabilities where he led the effort to install Family Restrooms in Ohio airports and served as President of the Central Ohio Parkinson's Society, authoring monthly articles providing educational support for patients and caregivers impacted by Parkinson's Disease. Throughout it all he maintained good spirts and a positive outlook, sustained life-long friendships from his early days in Iowa and provided inspiration to family and friends. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Central Ohio Parkinson's Society or the Parkinson's Action Network, (PAN). Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mr. Beetner. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Charles Michael Beetner

June 27, 1940 - August 2, 2024