At the start of the day on December 24th the angels escorted Victor Lee Michel on his heavenly journey. The entire family had gathered around for a very special remembrance of his life.
Victor was born in Kearny County, Kansas on April 5th in the year 1940, the first born to Leo & Gladys Michel. The family resided on a farm north of Lakin, Ks. Victor lived a full and exciting life that lasted 83 years and reached into the lives of many in the community.Early in life Victor met and fell in love with Vivian McStay on a double date with Vic’s cousin Gale, they were married October 10, 1960 in Sharon Springs Kansas. There time together sometimes involved severe obstacles, and with God’s grace, Vic and Viv just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in October. To this union they added 4 Children, Colleen, Charles, Tami, and Troy.
Victor attended Trade School in Kansas City where he mastered the art of repairing anything. This gift of repair started early in life, guiding his career through farming and ranching, an officer of law with the Lakin Police Department, founding and operating Michel Repair and Equipment. He completed his career at the Kansas State Hwy Dept as the District Shop Superintendent, retiring from that position in 2003. During retirement he enjoyed wood working, making delicious jerky and helping Vivian out with her many projects. Over the years Victor had many opportunities to step in and help out anyone with whatever was required, he never met a stranger, becoming a friend of everyone along the way.
Victor had many passions and interests. He loved being Involved with 4-H, the ability to guide and teach the next generations was very important. He sat on the Kearney County Fair board, Wheat belt Credit Union Board, a Free Mason with the Eastern Star. The Shriners was probable his favorite, he very much enjoyed the people, the parades and most of all helping children.
Victor was a kind and gracious man, devoted and loving husband, father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather; he truly and deeply loved his family. Victor is survived by his wife Vivian Michel, Lakin Ks, sister Linda (Rex) Puckett Lakin Ks, Children Colleen (Joe) Eskelund Deerfield Ks, Charles (Chris Coffey) Michel Louisburg Ks, Tami Rodd, Troy (Amanda) Michel Lakin Ks, 6 grand children, 12 great grand children and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding him on the heavenly journey are his parents Leo & Gladys Michel, brother and sister n law Dennis and Marsha Michel. We will all forever miss and cherish the memories of our patriarch.
Victor requested no service be held and the urn be entombed with Vivian at a later date. A celebration of his life will be held January 27th at the United Methodist Church in Lakin Ks at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, our family requests donations in Victors Honor are given to the Shriners in care of Garnand Funeral Home, po box 91, Lakin, Kansas 67860. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.