Submitted by: Dan Rich
J. Joseph Michels
Sept. 7, 1905 -- Jan. 30, 2004
J. Joseph Michels, 98, of St. Paul's Retirement Community, and formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away early Friday morning, Jan. 30.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1905, in Mishawaka, a son of Frank and Estelle (Pecher) Michels. Mr. Michels grew up in Mishawaka and made the community his lifelong home until moving to St. Paul's.
On July 23, 1934, he married the former Genevieve Goethals. He was employed as a salesman for Stanz Cheese Company and retired in 1972. He was a longtime member of St. Bavo Catholic Church in Mishawaka, where he ushered and was involved in the planning and cooking for many parish breakfasts and dinners. Mr. Michels was a member of the Knights of Columbus #1878 and was a Grand Knight. He was also a member of the BK Club and a former member of the DeAmicis Club. His favorite pastime was cooking. Before his sight began failing in the 1970s, he enjoyed golfing.
Mr. Michels was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve; an infant son, Thomas Michels; sons David and Timothy; and four brothers, L.R., Hugh, Gerald and Richard Michels.
Surviving family includes his daughter and her husband, Janice and Jack Morrical of Granger, Ind.; seven grandchildren, David (Sandra) Morrical, Julie (Luis) Lamar, Jean Morrical, Brett (Vikki) Morrical, Brien Michels Welsh, Christopher (Liz) Michels and Sarah (Britton) Allen; four great-grandchildren, Victoria and Tristan Morrical, and Christian and Braden Lamar; and two daughters-in-law, Kathleen Michels Welsh and Mary Jo Michels.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd St., Mishawaka, where a prayer service will begin at 7 p.m. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th St., Mishawaka, with Rev. Fr. Barry England as celebrant. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery, Mishawaka.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to St. Bavo Church or to the Christ Child Society. Envelopes are available in the funeral home.