Frederick John "Fred" Michels, Sr.'s Obituary
Fred J. Michels Sr, at the age of 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 9 2015 at his Tavares, FL home.
He was born to the late Fred A. Michels and Anna Michels, January 1, 1922, in New York, NY. Fred graduated from Bennet High School in Buffalo in 1940.
Dad’s passions were: family, faith, friends, education, travels, camping.
In1943, Fred entered the military services as an Army engineer, and after basic training went to drafting school. He shipped overseas in 1943 to Scotland. After a rough trip across the Atlantic, he reported to Eisenhower HQ/Central Command, assigned to the drafting unit to draw topographical maps and charts. He experienced the Blitz over London and after D-day shipped to Omaha beach in Normandy. Then on to Paris and the Palace of Versailles where Eisenhower had his “Flag”. He moved to Luxemburg to support the Battle of the Bulge in the 9th Armored Division riding a “half-track”. This Division chased the Germans along the Rhine to the Remagen Bridge. (This action was captured in a famous movie.) He crossed over to Germany in the first US army unit to cross the Rhine. He moved with the 9th Armored Division almost to Berlin, when the War thankfully ended. Fred needed 76 ‘points’ in the system to head home and had just enough: 4 Battle Stars and 3 years overseas. Upon landing and walking down the gangplank in NY, almost every soldier kissed the ground.
Upon return from Europe, he began with student teaching, and subsequently received his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts Education from Buffalo State University in 1946. After several years of teaching he received his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from New York University, and his career as School Principal ensued. Fred was both an Elementary and a Middle School Principal in Rochester NY for 16 years and then moved to Delaware where he devoted another 16 years as an Elementary School Principal: a total of 32 years.
In1948 Fred married Alice Fisher and they took a 6 week honeymoon from New York to California visiting many National Parks, spending a grand total of $600. Fred and wife Alice lived together in Buffalo, Pleasantville and Rochester NY, and then Wilmington DE before retiring to Florida in 1984 with home on Lake Dora. They visited 32 countries in 20 trips during their retirement.
Fred was predeceased by his Alice, his wife of 62 years, and his only brother Robert C. Michels, of Casselberry, FL. He is survived by 4 sons: Fred J Michels Jr. (Ann), of Wilmington, DE; Charles Michels of Felton, DE; David (Susan) Michels of Marquette, MI and Andrew Michels of Oak Ridge, NC. He is survived by 13 grandchildren: Allison, Ryan, Eric, Connor, Colin, Zachary, Travis, Nathan, Luke, Joshua, Christian, Jonathan and Holland, as well as, one great-grandchild: Otto. He is also survived by nieces Mimi Michels of Winter Springs, FL and Marilyn Hattaway of Casselberry, FL.
All four sons and 11 grandsons participated in Boy Scouting. Four sons and eight grandsons achieved the Eagle Scout rank, following Fred’s footsteps as an Eagle Scout in 1942. All sons and grandchildren are college graduates or currently attending. Fred was very proud of all of his sons and grandchildren.
All of his friends have been a big part of his life, from high school, college, jobs, community, Church and retirement activities. Fred was an active member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Wilmington, DE and Faith Lutheran Church in Eustis FL. He was an active, enthusiastic volunteer in the local Audubon Society and at Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis FL and served as Center’s President in the 90’s.
As his health declined the last 3 years, he accepted help from wonderful home health caregivers and during the last 8 months Cornerstone Hospice nurses.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Faith Lutheran Church, Music Dept. 2727 South Grove Street, Eustis, Florida 32726.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall.
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