Richard “Dick” R. Michaels, 77, of Tomah and formerly of Wilton died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, at the Tomah Care Center.
He was born April 13, 1938, to Raymond “Bud” and Regina (Heinze) Michaels in La Crosse. Dick was a member of the Central High School graduating class of 1956. After finishing high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Army. On June 23, 1962, he was united in marriage to Mary L. Schwier in La Crosse.
Most folks would know Dick from his 31 years of dedicated service for the United Parcel Service (UPS). He was an exemplary employee, missing only one day of work his whole career. His work ethic was unlike many, and he was willing to do the extra work and long hours so folks would get their packages for the holidays.
Dick had an artistic eye; woodworking and making a large variety of crafts was his favorite pastime. From small wooden toys to large lawn decorations, every project was made with detailed care and love. He also dabbled some in painting. Dick was an avid NASCAR fan; he was a “Chevy man” and loved to support the Chevy teams.
Many who had the opportunity to call Dick a friend enjoyed his playful and teasing personality; practical jokes and pranks were shared frequently amongst them.
Dick had a special love for children of all ages; making them smile and laugh always brought a smile to his face. His grandchildren brought special joy to his heart, and he cherished the times that he was able to spend with them. Dick was most at peace when spending time at the cabin outside of Wilton. He found great contentment there. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be sadly missed by those who loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary of Tomah; two children, Michelle (Steven) Carter of Pell City, Ala., and Cory (Sherri) Michaels of Oak Creek, Wis.; five grandchildren, Dane, Grey and Cade Carter and Alyssa and Caitlyn Michaels; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Evelyn Tetzlaff of West Salem, Sandra (Kale) Kvistad of Kendall, Diane Culbert of Holmen, Stan (significant other Karen Wallace) Schwier of Holmen, Karen Sieben of Holmen, and Bruce (Helen) Schwier of Chetek, Wis.; his nieces and nephews, Kevin (Lorrie) Michaels of Stoddard, Jeanna (Tim) Larson of Stoddard, Julie (Phil) Addis of La Crosse and Allen “Tiger” Fogel of Stoddard; and many other relatives and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Michaels; and a sister, Sharon Fogel.
A memorial service will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 401 Mill St., Wilton. Pastor Dawn Lindberg will officiate. Military honors will be by Hanson-Stark-Leith-Paeth Wilton American Legion Post 508. Burial will be at a later date.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given to St. Jude’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/GiveThanks or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The Michaels family would like to thank the nursing staff on the seventh floor at the Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Medical Center and the nursing staff at the Tomah Care Center for the excellent care provided to Dick, and a special thank you nurse Jennifer W. for going above and beyond. Your loving care and compassion shown to Dick and the family is a true blessing to the nursing profession.
