(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, until 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 6, 2012 for Sgt. Michael E. Ristau., 25, originally of Cascade.
Sgt. Ristau was killed in Afghanistan, while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, on July 13, when the vehicle he was riding in was attacked by an improvised explosive device.
The governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the governor's executive order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.
Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
Ristau is survived by his wife, Elizabeth L. and sons, Hyle Ristau, of Tacoma, Wash., and Bradley Ristau, of Tennessee; his parents, Randy L. and Suzanne M. Ristau, of Cascade; sister Halie Ristau of Cascade; and brothers Christopher Powers of Dubuque, Iowa and Jesse Carrier of Bolivar, Mo.; grandmother Gertrude Meyer of East Dubuque, Ill. and grandfather Vernon Thomas, of Dubuque; father-in-law and mother-in-law Dan and Karen Lemley of Tacoma; and brother-in-law Collin Lemley of Tacoma.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. at the Cascade City Park.
The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Sgt. Ristau's family at a later date, along with a proclamation honoring him.
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