Kenneth E. Michels, 71, of Wynoose, passed away Monday, April 27, 2015 at his home.  Services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney with full military rites accorded.  Burial in Harmony Cemetery, Ellsinore, Missouri.

Ken was born on November 2, 1943 in Olney, the son of Albert C. and Verdene O. (Stevens) Michels.  He married Barbara Leach on January 29, 1967 in Ellsinore, Missouri.

After attending junior high and part of high school in Phoenix, AZ, Ken returned to Olney during his senior year to graduate in 1961.  Ken served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era.  He was stationed at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam.  During his military years he met his wife of 48 years, Barbara, in Alamogordo, New Mexico on a blind date arranged by their friends, Sharron and Jerry Van Orun. After Vietnam, Barb and Ken were relocated to George AFB in Victorville, CA.  Ken returned to Olney in 1968 and began working at AMF.  Ken enjoyed working with his hands and making things for family and friends.  Kenneth lived for his grandkids and really enjoyed spending time with them.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW and member of the Forrest Ridge Church in Wynoose.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Michels of Wynoose; Daughter, Becky Steber and husband Mark of Claremont; Son, Kenny Michels and wife Julia of Noble; Grandchildren, Mackenzie and Madison Michels, Kenna, Paige, and Dane Steber; Sisters, Cathy Robison of Olney, Nancy Stanley of Noble, and Debbie Fletcher and husband Bill of Olney; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Alberta McDonald and her husband Phillip, and brother-in-law, Dave Stanley.

Summers-Kistler Funeral Home, Olney, IL obituary - Monday, April 27, 2015