Charles Michael Beetner, 84, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away Friday night, August 2, 2024. He was born June 27, 1940, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to parents Ray and Myra Beetner. In his last days, Michael was surrounded by family, 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 he enjoyed 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 he left 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 a 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 he was 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.