Richard Joseph Michel, 84, was born on December 9th, 1936, in Spooner, Wisconsin to Adolph and Teresa Michel. Richard went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 on his 84th birthday. He was given the greatest gift of all, heaven.

He was baptized at St. Philip in Stone Lake, WI. He grew up on his family farm east of Spooner with his three brothers and two sisters. Dick went to grade school at Mackey Valley one-room schoolhouse which had no lights, no running water, and there was but one teacher who taught all eight grades. He graduated from Spooner High School in 1954 and immediately entered the Air Force for four years as an airplane mechanic. He often talked about his time in the military where he was stationed mostly in Hawaii. He was very proud to serve his country. He then moved to Grantsburg, WI and worked at McNally Industries for 45 years.

On June 30th, 1964 Dick was united into marriage to Elaine Ann Kasper in Sarona, WI. To this union, two sons and one daughter were born. The couple raised their family in Grantsburg.

Dick loved watching his three children in activities and never missed an event. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, trout fishing, snowmobiling, and coaching. You would often see him playing catch in the yard with one of his kids. He also really enjoyed cutting wood, spending many hours in the woods. Dick was very instrumental in the early years of the Grantsburg Hockey Association, serving as president for 15 years. He and friends spent countless hours late at night flooding the outdoor rink. The colder the better and he never wore a winter hat or gloves.

As a Grandparent he always made the grandkids and everyone else laugh with his quick wit. We loved hearing stories about growing up on the farm in Springbrook, WI and all the mischief that he and his siblings got into. He was a huge Badger, Brewer and Packer fan that went beyond casual. Dick had a deep Christian faith that was the center and foundation of his life. No matter where he was or how difficult it was, he would never ever miss Mass.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Fr. Eugene Michel O.F.M., and George Michel; sisters Marion Honer and infant Joan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Elaine Michel, children Tony Michel (Jill), Tim Michel (Jennifer), and Joanie Duncan (Kevin); siblings Larry Michel (Helen) and Kathleen Brown (Jack); grandchildren Jenna Michel, Matt Michel, Maddie Duncan, Jack Michel, Nick Michel, Jami Michel, Joey Duncan, Ellie Duncan, and Marcus Michel; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 14, 2020, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grantsburg, Wisconsin with Fr. Joseph Madanu officiating. Visitation is before mass from 10-11 a.m. Masks and social distancing will be required for all attending services. Interment will be immediately following the service at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI with full military honors.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center for their compassionate care given to Dick during his entire time with them.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg.

Last Update: Dec 12, 2020 3:57 pm CST