Richard Gene Michel, Jr., 90, died September 25, 2024, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kansas. He was born February 16, 1934, on the family farm in rural Rawlins County, Kansas, the son of Richard F. Michel, Sr. and Dora (Wicke) Michel. Richard graduated from Atwood High School in 1952. He then proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Midway as an E-5.
On July 14, 1974, he married Judy Allen in Topeka, Kansas. Together they raised four children on the farm northeast of Atwood, Kansas. He was a member of the Atwood Redeemer Lutheran Church where he was very active and sang in the church choir. Richard was an active member of the Herndon V.F.W. #1368 and the Atwood American Legion Post # 46. He enjoyed bowling and was always willing to help anyone in need. Richard and Judy recently moved to Hoisington to be closer to family where he enjoyed watching his grandkids activities and fellowshipping at the Hoisington American Legion.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Michel of the home; and four children, Rick Michel of Topeka, Cindy (David) Heuer of Hanover, Kylie (Chris) Kinman of Hoisington, Kenzie Michel of Wichita,; brother, Gilbert Michel of Newton; sister, Sylvia Meyer of Topeka; ten grandchildren, Richard James Michel, Shaelyn (Steve) Brouhard, Kortney Michel, Daria (Derek) Mueting, Nick and Adria Heuer, Peyton, Karson, and Bryson Kinman, and Beckett Michel Decker; and two great grandchildren, Hunter and Emmett Brouhard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Bernice Morgan, sister-in-law, Cathi Michel, and brother-in-law, William Meyer.
Visitation will be 1 – 5 p.m., Saturday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Monday, September 30, 2024, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood, Kansas, with Pastor Phillip Hoppe presiding. Prior to the service, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., there will be visitation at the church. Burial will follow in Atwood Fairview Cemetery with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard and assisted by the Atwood American Legion and V.F.W. Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to Atwood American Legion Post #46 or Rawlins County Fire and Rescue Dist. 2 in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.