Mike Ladehoff: A Conversation About Home, Service, and the Heart of Marshalltown

For some, home is simply the place they live. For Mike Ladehoff, it’s much more than that — it’s a feeling woven through decades of friendships, shared challenges, and small-town grit.

“Marshalltown means home in the deepest sense,” he says. “It is comfortable, ever-changing, but never loses its core values. People caring for each other.”

That sense of belonging has shaped his life and now drives his candidacy as he runs for mayor of Marshalltown.

Resilience and Shared Kindness

When asked what makes him proudest of Marshalltown, Mike doesn’t hesitate.

“Can you name a town that has been through a tornado, derecho, pandemic, Legionella outbreak in a short time? Not likely. Marshalltown doesn’t just get up after being knocked down, it comes up swinging! That is my kind of people. Everyone helping everyone get back on track. Shared kindness.”

It’s that spirit — the collective strength to rise, rebuild, and care for one another — that Mike believes defines the community at its core.

Inspiration to Serve

Mike’s decision to run for mayor comes from years of service on City Council and other local groups.

“My many years working on City Council and other groups with so many incredible people in the community that are committed to making Marshalltown a great place to live, work and play,” he says. “These are the people who inspire me daily.”

It’s those everyday leaders — the volunteers, organizers, and residents working quietly behind the scenes — who continue to motivate him to serve.

A Mayor Who Listens

If elected, Mike hopes to make city leadership more personal and approachable.

“I plan on retiring in May of 2026. I propose having ‘regular hours’ twice a week so that people can come in and talk to the Mayor about what is on their mind. Many people come in to City Hall and end up talking to the City Administrator or another member of the staff, which is ok but, it would help if the Mayor was also available. I think this would help connect people to our city government in a more meaningful way. Some people have trouble talking at City Council meetings in front of everyone and on camera.”

His vision is simple — to make the Mayor’s office a place where every voice feels heard.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

For Mike, Marshalltown’s history is proof of its strength and creativity — qualities he believes are key to its continued success.

“Much of Marshalltown’s history and character is welcoming newcomers, being bold, innovative and working hard towards the future. A town our size with 4 large employers that have been here over 100 years is a testament to our work ethic, creativity and innovation. I think these are important keys for attracting more businesses to our community or new start-ups looking for a small space to begin their journey.”

His focus is on balancing growth with preservation — keeping what makes Marshalltown special while encouraging new ideas and opportunities to take root.

Lessons From the Farm

When reflecting on what shaped his approach to leadership, Mike turns to his early years growing up on the family farm.

“When I was young growing up on our farm, my dad used to tell me wise sayings like ‘don’t ever start a fight, but, don’t be afraid to finish one.’Or, ‘it is almost a sin to watch someone work without helping if you can.’ Old school sayings.But the one that really stuck with me is ‘If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.’ In other words, we can wish for many things in this town, maybe we will get lucky. Or, we can make our own luck by working hard to make them happen.”

That philosophy — grounded in hard work and perseverance — continues to guide how he approaches community service today.

And as he looks toward the future, Mike sums up his outlook in four simple words:

“Let’s get to work.”

Marshalltown’s story has always been one of resilience, hard work, and heart — values that continue to inspire those who step forward to serve it. As Mike Ladehoff runs for Mayor, his vision is rooted in the same foundation that built the city itself: community first.

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