Francine Michels

Francine (Covalt) Michels, 84, of Aurora, IL, passed away at her home on June 5, 2015 with her loving family at her side. She was born on July 3, 1930 in Aurora, IL to Francis and Janet (Cameron) Covalt, and married Richard Michels on October 6, 1954. After graduating from East Aurora High School in 1948, Francine was employed by Aurora National Bank as a bookkeeper until 1954. After she married, Francine devoted her life to being a wife, homemaker and mother. She was an avid Chicago Blackhawks and lifelong Chicago Cubs fan – Hey! Hey! Francine was a loving mother and her children’s biggest fan. She spent countless evenings bouncing around between Copley, River Street and Solfisburg baseball fields rooting on her sons’ teams. She was the loudest and proudest mother in the stands, and hence, she earned the nickname “Leather-lungs”. The Michels home hosted daily summer wiffle-ball games, evening kick-the-can events and endless visits from friends and family. Mom’s kitchen and snack cabinet (even when locked) were always open to friends and neighbors. Francine bowled once a week with friends in a ladies league. She enjoyed traveling to Phoenix, AZ to visit her daughter Marcia and grandchildren. She also was an avid reader, enjoyed watching old movie classics and numerous sports events, and loved tackling her crossword puzzles. Francine is survived by her eight children; Marcia Dern of Phoenix, AZ, Timothy (Carol) Michels of Westchester, IL, Janet (Jim) Hollon of North Aurora, IL, Jeffrey (Sara) Michels of Aurora, IL, Christine (Barry) Klepp of Roselle, IL, John (Karla) Michels of Hinckley, IL, Brian (Anjani) Michels of Aurora, IL, Michelle (Michael) Zakosek of Maple Park, IL and her “fifth daughter” Connie Weber of Aurora, IL. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Elizabeth and Eric Dern; Jennifer Michels; Emma, Sam and John Hollon; Lauren and Matthew Michels; Alexander, Rachel and Nathan Klepp; Ryan and Zachary Michels; and Allison Michels; as well as her brother Bruce (Karen) Covalt of Sugar Grove, IL; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends. Francine was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Richard, in 1990 and her parents Francis and Janet Covalt. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY at 10:00 AM to St. Joseph Church, 722 High St., Aurora, at 10:30 AM. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Joseph Parish Hall. Visitation will be held Monday, June 8, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., with a Liturgical Wake Service at 4:00 PM, at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. (630) 631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Francine’s family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either St. Joseph Parish or Presence Hospice.

Francine Michels

July 3, 1930 - June 5, 2015