Michael John Lambert Sr., 76, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at his home surrounded by family after a brief illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello, with interment at the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 7 Tuesday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, where a parish Vigil Service will start at 4:00.  Visitation will continue Wednesday morning at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 10 until 11.  Fr. Paul Baldwin will officiate at the services. By visiting Goettschonline.com, you may share your thoughts, memories, and condolences with Mike's family and sign the online guest book.

Surviving are his 4 children; Angie Lambert-Cox, Mike Jr. (Shannon), Joe (Sara), Tara (Scott)Brighton, and 12 grandchildren; Austin, Dylan (Callie Zegers), Lilly, Maggie, Carson, Jordan (Logan) Hein, Madison, Lauren (Dalton Erickson), Mason, Mazzy, Emma, Blaine, and great-granddaughter Navy. His siblings; Patrick (Jenny) Lambert, Michele (Tom) Glanz, Patrice Lambert (Bill Hosch), and his sister-in-law Sheila (Jerry) Prull; and his loving cat, Travis.  He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey in 2022, his parents, and his in-laws Don and Margaret Huggins.

Michael Sr. was born June 23, 1947, at John McDonald Hospital, Monticello, the son of LaVern and Jacqueline Kauder Lambert.   Mike graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1965. He continued his education at Loras College.  Mike served in the Army 75th Infantry as an Airborne Ranger and fought in the Vietnam War.  He married the love of his life, Audrey Huggins, on June 7, 1968, at Lake Charles, Louisiana, before he left for Vietnam.  When he returned from Vietnam, Mike was a Monticello Police Officer before his long career at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.  He retired there as a Captain in 2002.

Mike and his family took care of the Avenue of Flags at Sacred Heart Cemetery. He was a member of the VFW, Drill Team, Knights of Columbus, Jones County Ducks Unlimited, Monticello Eagles Club, and Monticello Golf Club and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Mike loved cruising in his 1931 Ford Model A Pickup and showing it off at car shows.  He enjoyed spending time at his Lambert's Landing property with friends and family.