John Michel

Loving husband and proud father of six children, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the age of 88.  John was born June 4, 1933 in Minneapolis, MN to George Sr. and Beatrice (Troendle) Michel.  A class of 1951 graduate of Cretin High School, he attended the College of Saint Thomas and the University of Minnesota. John married his beloved wife Catherine “Kay” Ann Fitzpatrick on September 8, 1962 and they devotedly raised their children, twins Matthew and Michelle, James and Ann, and twins Nicholas and Christopher. John's greatest joys were his wife, children, and grandchildren.

A devout Catholic who regularly attended daily Mass, John was a successful entrepreneur and ardent philanthropist.  At a young age his service and work ethic were instilled in delivering newspapers and working at a gas station.  His optimistic outlook and “where there is a will there's a way” attitude led John to assume great risk to purchase, successfully turn around, and lead Industrial Chemical & Equipment Co. over 15 years.

John lived with boundless energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to his faith and family.  An active volunteer at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School and Church, the Saint Paul Seminary, Saint Thomas Academy, Convent of the Visitation School, Nativity County Fair, Serra Club, American Electroplaters Society, Cretin Alumni Association and more, John lived his faith doing good works.  Together, John and Kay generously donated beautiful monuments to Catholic institutions throughout the Twin Cities.  He believed in being of service, giving more than he received, and in making every interaction personal.  With the mantra “no people, no party!”, he cherished family traditions, ensuring the Michel Family’s long-standing “Santa Party.”

Preceded in death by his father, George Sr., and his mother, Beatrice, sisters Marie McNicoll, Louise Johnson, Jeannette Whaley, and granddaughter Gabriella Pennycook.  John is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Kay; their six children, Matthew (Sara), Michelle (Jon Pennycook), James (Theresa), Ann (Tom Helvick), Nicholas (Linda), Christopher (Suzanne);  older brother, George Jr.; fifteen grandchildren, Caitlin (Chris Leivermann), Maria (Jon Frisby), Peter, Anne, Jakob, Claire, Grace, Joseph, Cora-Rose, Elizabeth, Lucia, Theodore, Mary Catherine, Magdalene, and Ambrose; one expectant great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Wake 4-7 PM, Thursday, September 2nd, 2021, O’Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home, 575 South Snelling Ave.,Saint Paul.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 3rd, 2021 (reviewal 9:30 - 10:30 AM in Church) at The Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 1938 Stanford Ave Saint Paul.  Mass will be live-streamed for those unable to attend. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.

In remembrance of John Michel’s life, we gratefully request charitable donations be made to The Seminaries of Saint Paul: Saint John Vianney College Seminary and/or Saint Paul Seminary.