"I remember John as a fun loving, and natural lover of anything having to do with nature. He was first and formost always a gentleman. We will all miss Shirley and John. God bless to both of them and their family."
In loving memory of
John R. & Shirley J. Micheel
January 1, 1900 - August 18, 2007
John Robert Micheel, 67, and Shirley Jean Micheel, 66, both of the Arches in rural Lewiston died Saturday evening August 18th near Stockton as a result of flooding.
John was born March 28, 1940 in Winona to Harold and Mildred (Schaffner) Micheel. John graduated from Lewiston High School and attended Winona State University. He served in the Navy from 1960-62, stationed on the Carrier Midway. John worked as a conservation technician for Winona County Soil Conservation Service (NCRS) for 37 years, until his retirement. He was a member of Lewiston Sportsmen Club, had been a member of Lewiston Volunteer Fire Department, an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, served on the Farmers Park Board, belonged to the National Turkey Federation and the Lewiston American Legion. John and Shirley founded the High Ridge Family Tree Farm. He loved his tree farm and was an avid gardener, bow hunter and fisherman.
Shirley was born December 29, 1940 in Galesville, WI to Orville and Elaine (Bortle) Lindberg. She was raised on a farm north of Centerville and graduated from Trempealeau High School. After high school Shirley attended LaCrosse Vocational School. She worked for Interstate Power of Chatfield until her mother's death, when she returned home to help care for her younger siblings as she also worked at Spurgeons in Winona. She later returned to work at Interstate Power of Lewiston, followed by, Winona State University, and secretary to the Lewiston-Altura School Superintendent, until her retirement.
Shirley enjoyed Monday night Bingo at the Lewiston American Legion; she also enjoyed socializing with her friends, bowling, gardening, cooking and caring for her family. The couple loved to spend time with their grandsons, Cody and Corey, especially at the tree farm and fishing.
John and Shirley were married October 15, 1966 at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona.
Survivors include their three children; Robert Micheel (Deena) of Sparta, WI, Brenda Micheel of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Johnny Micheel (Elizabeth) of Lewiston and their two grandsons, Cody and Corey. An infant son John Thomas and a granddaughter Elizabeth Grace preceded them in death.
John is also survived by his mother, Mildred Micheel of Lewiston, a sister Barbara (Michael Newsham) Micheel of Vancouver, WA and two nephews, Patrick and Matthew (Lisette) Newsham. He was also preceded in death by his father Harold.
Shirley is also survived by a brother Doug Lindberg (Teresa) of Trempealeau, a sister Carolyn (Nels) Stalheim of Ettrick and nephews; Doug, Peter, Sam and Andy Lindberg, Keith Truax and Cary Stalheim. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother Gordon.
A Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Friday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, with The Reverend Marreddy Pothireddy officiating. Burial will follow services in the church cemetery. Friends may call at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church from 4-8 PM Thursday and one hour before services Friday. There will be a prayer service at 4PM Thursday at the church.
Please share your memories of John and Shirley and view their Tribute Video at www.hofffuneral.com.
Hoff Funeral Home of Lewiston is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=10995
Tributes
"Mildred, Bobby, Brenda, & Johnny I was so shocked by the tragic news about John & Shirley. John was such a great guy. I have so many very fond memories of growing up together. We kind of lost touch after graduation ( I was a year behind) but did make contact occasionally. You can all be so proud to have had John for a son/father. I also just found out Harold had passed away. My deepest sympathy and prayers for all of you. May God bless you all and comfort you at this tragic time. Rollie"
"I am so sorry for you loss and so grateful for the opportunity to have seen your mom and met your dad at reunions...two years in a row! You sound like a great family! Keep close to each and know that the Lord is giving you strength to bear this loss. We will see Shirley and John again!"
"Thoughts of heartfelt sympathy and my prayers go out to you and your family."
"Bob, Brenda, and Johnny: My thoughts are with each of you and your families during this time of sorrow. There were lots of memories growing up next to your family that I will never forget. Your parents did a fantastic job raising the 3 of you and will forever be in our hearts and minds. "
"Bob, Brenda, and Johnny: I wanted to also let you know that I will not be able to attend your parents visitation or service as we will be out of town tomorrow through Friday evening. Dad sends his best to each of you. He is now at Watkins Manor here in Winona. I told him the news and asked if he wanted to go to the wake or funeral and he indicated that he wanted to remember your parents as he witnessed them while they were alive. Ken is living in Grand Island Nebraska and certainly passes on his prayers and sympathy as well. It is such a small world but I also lost my godfather as him and his wife were Victor and Joyce Gensmer which were the couple from Witoka.. so it was equally sad when I learned that your parents were taken from us as well. Hang in there each of you. Mark "
"I am so sorry for your loss. John and Shirley were very nice people and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."
"I did an interview with John and Johnny for AgriNews. A fine man who loved his family and the land as much as he could. I have some pictures that I would like to give to the family from that interview done December 2003. What a huge loss to lose this wonderful couple too soon."
"A tragedy for all. Such a great couple. My sympathy goes out for all of you."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as we know John and Shirley are with our Lord."
"I'm so grateful that I had John and Shirley's friendship to grace my life. John was a special friend to me, and I will always treasure his generosity, kindness and humor. I have many fond memories of time spent together at the tree farm with John and family, ice fishing, parties with friends, tours, stories and hospitality - and always leaving with more than I came with (apples, fish, berries, vegetables...). John and Shirley always had stories and pictures to share about thier kids and grandkids, parents, siblings, hunting and fishing. There was never a lack of joy in their lives. The loss of John and Shirley will leave a void in my life and the lives of many others. I'm thankful for the time I had with them and will miss them both. To all the family, I'm so sorry for your loss and pray for your comfort and care."
"Bobby (and family), Brenda and Johnny, I can remember the good things my dad said about his co-worker, your dad. And when he married your mom, his esteem for Johnny & Shirley Micheel was evident. Please know that those who cared for your parents, care for you, too. You are in my prayers."
"John and Shirley were two of the best people I have known in my lifetime. It still hasn??t sunk in that they are gone. It just doesn??t seem real that ??World Class? won??t be around to tell another ??Chief Cowabunga? story or give any more ??Swah-he-lee? dance lessons around a camp fire, or do any more ??winching? using ??just a stick and a string?. I can still hear Shirley??s laugh and see her twinkly eyes smile. John and Shirley were loved and will be missed dearly."
"Bob & Family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My words can not help you through your pain, but know that my thoughts are with you and your family. Please take care of yourself and your kids and know your friends are here to lean on if you need them. With sympathy, Kay Weiner & Family"
"To the Micheel Family, my thoughts and prayers go to you all. Your parents were wonderful people and will be missed by many. May God guide you through this time of sorrow."
"Even though I don't know the Micheel family, I couldn't help but to feel deep sadness while I read of their story. The thought of losing two loved ones is unimaginable, and my prayers are with all who love them!"
"Our hearts go out to the families. May God's love guide you during this time of sorrow. Carroll Hackelberg Clarice White and Larry Tabbert Mary Lou Pittenger and Brian Chase"
"My heart goes out to you and the family. I have known you and your parents for a long time and can remember sharing lots of stories and laughter on the days at UWSP. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your siblings during this time of loss and healing. Alicia Sommer"
"One Christmas John had given my son Zachary a small Christams Tree, John had set it in the snow bank in front yard of our house. And when Zach woke up that morning he saw it & had to have lights on the tree so we did and now every year we come back to buy a tree. I hope this can continue. We are very sorry for your loss."
"Bob, Brenda, and John, We are so very sorry for your loss. Your parents are such wonderful people! We can not imagine the pain and loss you all feel. I will always remember the great times that we had at your house, playing snow football and of course, time up at the tree farm. Your parents were always so warm and friendly. Your Dad quick with a joke and a big smile and your Mom with that unending loving and caring personality. You are all constantly in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all! Love, The Kukowski's"
"To the whole family, we are so sorry for your devastating loss. John and Shirley were truly special people. They will be missed by the many people whose lives they touched."
"To the family of John and Shirly Micheel - we offer our sincere sympathy in your loss. I did not know your dad as well as my brother Larry but always enjoyed his stories and great sense of humor. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Tom and Vicki Tiedemann"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Be strong for each other."
"Bob, Brenda and Johny, We are so very sorry of your incredible loss! Your parents were wonderful, kind people. We probably new your mom better than your dad. She helped us out so many times when she was at the high school.....always with a smile. You need to hang on to the wonderful memories that you have of both of your parents. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Bobby, Brenda and Johnny, My heart goes out to you, your parents were amazing and exceptional people, my family wants to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. My parents, Charles and Mattye, will be there in person, but I will not be able to attend, so I wanted you all to know that the rest of our family is there in prayers and spirit. Your parents always made us welcome in their home and I will never forget their wonderful spirit and how they cared for and tended to my youngest brother Michael, when he was just a baby. Please take care of one another.....With deepest sympathy Anita Loggins "
"Will always remember their great and open smile- and their strong relationship with each other and with St. Rose- truly people of Love and Peace!Now it is our job to pass it on!"
"To the family, our deepest sympathy. Your parents were very wonderful people. may God bless you Elroy & Donna Lang"
"We are so sorry to here about your parents! Mom called me and told me what happened. You and your family are in our prayers. May God give you strength during this difficult time. I have many wonderful memories of your parents and of the fun times we had while we were growing up. They were always smiling. My heart goes out to you Brenda and to your brothers. May all the happy memories sustain you in your time of grief."
"We are so very sorry for your loss. Dennis and Pat(Matzke) Engrav"
"There are so many wonderful descriptions in here about the sweet couple that is now etched into our minds and hearts forever. I will always remember how funny you were John. Shirley, you had such a great smile and always had a kind word. Together, you raised your family well. (I still remember that my Great Aunt Margie felt lucky to have you as neighbors) You truly touched so many people that will miss you deeply as they try to rebuild their lives without you. My prayers are with your family and friends that now have a huge void. God Bless you all!"
"Hi Brenda, I am so sorry for loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Kim Michels & Marilyn (mom) Martin"
"To the family of the Micheels, please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. This was truly a very sad tradgedy. Harold and Mildred were paper route customers of mine for years in Lewiston and my Dad Donald worked with John. I was truly saddened to hear of their loss.... With heartfelt sympathy Sandy ( Giles ) Melville"
"There are not words that can ease your pain but please know that your in our thoughts and prayers. We will always appreciate what your parents did for Lisa. They were very important people in her life. With sympathy, Greg, Deb, and Katie Worrell"
"I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go to your family, and may God be with you during this time. May your memories of your Mom and Dad keep you strong and last forever. They are now your angels and will forever watch over you all. God Bless!"
"May all of the soft and comforting words and voices you hear during this time ease the hurt and lead you gently to that place of warm and happy memories. May God bless, Cherie "
"Johnny and Family-- I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. My heart just sunk yesterday when I heard the news. Your mom was just the nicest lady who always lent a hand whenever needed. I counted on her for years to help with getting transportation for the speech team. She had the kindest heart, and I will truly miss her. When my first daughter was born, your mom gave me a beautiful "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornament. For years I have thought of her everytime that I have placed it on my tree. I will continue to do that for years to come. I'm so sorry for your loss. God Bless. Mrs. B"
"I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great guy. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers."
"Bob, Brenda, & Jhonny, my prayers are with each of you at this time. Your parents were a wonderful couple, and we shared many happy times at the Lewiston Sportsman's Park. Your Mom, Marilyn, Vicki, Barb, and myself have met for lunch to catch up on old times. God Bless each of you, and know others are sharing in your loss also. Gloria"
"Bob and Johnny, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Scott and Kim Debilzen"