| Notes |
- Bernard J. [Ben] Michels, age 67, 823 Lehnertz avenue, Aurora, July 17, at McHenry, Ill., husband of Marie K.; Father of Robert, Arthur, Bernard Jr. of Aurora, and James of Oklahoma; brother of Mrs. Rose Weber, Mrs. Catherine Stelchen, and Mrs. Margaret Nickels, all of Aurora. Solemn requiem mass at St. Joseph's church, Aurora, Monday at 10 a.m. Interment St. Joseph's cemetery, Aurora. Visitation at Daleiden Mortuary, High and Liberty streets, Aurora.
- Chicago Tribune (ILLINOIS),
July 19, 1964
Bernard J. Michels, Jr. "Bernie"
1925-2009
Bernard J. "Bernie" Michels, Jr., of Aurora, IL, passed away on October 10, 2009, at his home. He was born in Aurora on February 12, 1925, the son of Bernard J. (Ben) and Marie (Ludwig) Michels.
A lifelong member of St. Joseph Parish, he attended St. Joseph's grade school and Marmion Military Academy on Lake Street. After graduating in 1943, he volunteered for duty in the United States Army, serving his country during World War II with the 593rd Engineer, Boat & Shore Regiment in the Pacific theatre.
After the war, he met his beloved wife Lois Jean (Goodendorf) Michels. They married at Holy Angels Church on November 24, 1951, to be blessed with 57 years together and eight loving children. Bernie began his working career as a carpenter, a trade at which he excelled and loved. He became a master builder and woodworker. Later, he worked for the City of Aurora in the Department of Inspections and Permits, first as an inspector for new construction and later as a plan reviewer. After retiring from the City in 1989, he continued to be an avid woodworker to the delight of countless persons who were the recipients of his many projects. He served on the Building Committee for St. Joseph's Activity Center and built several pieces used at St. Joe's today. He supported and took pride in the Lehnertz Avenue Christmas display for the more than twenty-five years he and Lois lived on the street.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Therese Michels, Bernard J. (BJ) Michels, Martha Smith, Maureen (Earl) Hardekopf, Janice (Mark) Rudolph, Paul (Grega St. John) Michels, Terry (Julia) Michels, and Ann (Joe) Pressel; his sister, Anna Marie (Nello) Avram; brother, James (Carole) Michels; sisters-in-law, Lillian Michels, Pat Michels, and Elizabeth Ernzen; his grandchildren, Lisa Hardekopf, Adam (Jill) Hardekopf, Jeff Hardekopf, Doug Hardekopf, Matt Smith, Gail (Ian) Rodgers, Kevin Smith, Eric Rudolph, Bryan Rudolph, Andrew Michels and Isaac Michels; his great-grandchildren, Abbi, David, Nathan and Emma, and many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him as their "Uncle B".
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Art and Bob.
Friends and colleagues will remember Bernie for his integrity, his genuine interest in them, and his willingness to be of help. Family will remember him for his sense of humor, his resourcefulness and his uncompromising honesty. His wife, his children and grandchildren will remember how proud they were to call him: my husband, my dad, my grandpa.
In state viewing will be Wednesday, October 14, 2009, from 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour at 12:00 P.M. at St. Joseph Church, 722 High Street, Aurora, IL 60505.
Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 13, 2009, from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. (630)-631-5500. www.daleidenmortuary.com Memorials may be made to Hesed House, the St. Joseph Building Fund or any charity of your choosing. .
- The Beacon News (Aurora ILLINOIS),
October 13, 2009 (Tuesday)
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1925 - 2009 (84 years)
