George Michel, 90

Aug. 16, 1927 —

March 25, 2018

 

Bluffton - George D. Michel, age 90, of Bluffton, Iowa passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on March 25, 2018. 

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthews Church in Granger, Minn. on Saturday, April 7, 2018  at 2 p.m. Friends may call from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, April 6 at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony, Minn. or one hour before memorial service.

George Dale Michel was born on Aug. 16, 1927 in Harmony, to Virgil and Addie (Hutchison) Michel. He attended Kennedy Country School and Harmony High School. He married Dolores Elton and together raised seven children. After Dolores’ death, he married Roma O’Brien on Feb. 14, 1998. George had farmed in the Harmony area and worked with his brother, Orlando, for several years. He later worked for the City of Harmony, retiring in 1992. George was a member of St. Matthews Church, where he was baptized, confirmed and married Roma.

Nature was his passion and solace. Since childhood he had a deep respect for God’s creations, and he was most content when surrounded by nature. George took many walks in the woods and collected hundreds of fossils and many arrowheads that he has donated to the Harmony Historical Society.

He was ingenious and had a unique ability to repurpose or recycle things that only he could see the value in, often using the result as a creative solution to his personal and professional life. George’s sense of humor was contagious, and he had many friends who he entertained with his pranks and stories. He always found the good in people with love, friendship and compassion.

George is survived by his wife, Roma of Bluffton; six children, Diane (Tom) Strahl of Preston, Minn., Gerri Harrington of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Connie Michel-Ishizaki of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Kathy (David) McCloskey of Prior Lake, Minn., William Michel of Chapperal, N.M. and Mary (Blaine) Tufte of Lanesboro, Minn.; three stepchildren, Laurie (John) Nordstrom of Harmony, Robert (Lori) Schutte of Mabel, Minn. and Ricky (Becky) Schutte of Green Bay, Wis.; 10 grandchildren, Doreen, Jeff, Addie, Nora, Michel, Jessica, McKayla, Kendell, Morgan and Grace; six step-grandchildren, Heather, Melissa, Rachel, Sarah, Ryan and Jesse; 11 great-grandchildren, Brittany, Ellie, Stephanie, Nolan, Chase, Tyler, Jocelyn, Jade, Sam, Josephine and James; eight step-great-grandchildren, Danica, Derrick, Gage, Brady, Garrett, Kjersten, Jace and Hailey; four great-great-grandchildren, Jackson, Will, Bentley and Roman; two siblings, Janice (John) Saecker of Markesan, Wis. and Jacque (John D.) Ryan of Harmony; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Tammel.

George was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolores; a son, Sgt. David G. Michel; and a stepson, Rollis Schutte.