Joseph Lavern Michels Sr., 90, of Oelwein passed away on Sunday March 20, 2016 at Oelwein Health Care Center.  Memorial services will be at 11 AM on Friday March 25, 2016 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Driscoll officiating.  Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday March 24, 2016 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home and for one hour before services on Friday.  Inurnment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Joe was born on July 30, 1925 in Westgate to parents Leo and Mable (Dicky) Michels.  He graduated from the Randalia High School with the class of 1945.  On June 7, 1964 he was united in marriage with Annamae Cornilsen in Arlington.  Joe was a longtime farmer and following retirement, he delivered meals for the Oelwein Meal Site for nearly 25 years.

Joe enjoyed word search books, BINGO at the care center, working plastic canvas and teasing his grandchildren.  He was a husband, father, grandfather and most of all, he was a friend to all.

Left to celebrate Joe’s life is his wife of 51 years, Annamae; his daughter Cheryl (Duane) Derr of Osage; his grandchildren: Bernie Suhr of Osage, Annamae Miller of Oelwein and Raymond Suhr of Osage; his honorary grandchildren: Renee Bockholt of Oelwein and Kenzi Yarrington of LaPorte City; his sister-in-law Maxine Klaes of Guttenberg; his 2 nieces and a nephew.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Teresa Miller (2013); his son-in-law Edward Miller; his brother Bernard Michels; his brother-in-law Paul Cornilsen; his favorite aunt Dolly, who helped raise him.

The family would like to say thank you to the wonderful staff of Oelwein Health Care Center for taking such great care of Joe.