Lillian M. Michels

Lillian Michels, 92, died peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Bickford Assisted Living in Oswego. She was born in Aurora on August 19, 1924 to John and Lillian Lenert. Lillian graduated from Madonna High School and then met her husband, Arthur Michels. They married on June 3, 1944 at Holy Angels Catholic Church and spent 50 years together. They resided in Aurora and were loyal members of St. Joseph Catholic Church for the remainder of their lives. Art and Lillian were blessed with seven children: Gregory, Barbara, Kathryn, Jane, Douglas, Mark and Peter. Lillian was a dedicated wife and mother who held her children close to her heart. She cherished and nurtured each of them and always put their best interests first. Faith was at the foundation of their family. She and Art taught and guided their children to love God, their country and each other. Throughout the years, Lil happily hosted or helped with countless family gatherings. From baptisms to graduations and weddings, she was always ready to celebrate special occasions with family, relatives and friends. Her family was her greatest joy. Lillian is survived by her children: Greg (Mary) Michels, Barb (Howard) Edwards, Kathy (Robert) Ingraham, Doug (Susan) Michels and Peter (Kris) Michels; daughter-in-law, Katherine Michels; son-in-law, Micheal Reinke; seventeen grandchildren: Matthew (Myra) Michels, Patricia (Rob) Carpenter, Michael (Trinity) Edwards, Thomas (Hilary) Edwards, James (Rachel) Edwards, Leah (Ted) Romaine, Angela Ingraham, Benjamin (Jaime) Ingraham, Jill (Jason) Harmon, Micheal (Kim) Reinke, Andrew (Angela) Reinke, Rachel Reinke (fiancee Tim Hettinger), John (Cathya) Michels, Jeffrey Michels, Timothy Michels (fiancée Kim Karlin), Samantha and Jenna Michels; twenty great grandchildren: Jackson and Nathan Michels, Andrew, Megan, Nathan, Skylar, Ava, Ryan and Lincoln Edwards, Hudson, Madeline, Birile and Debritu Romaine, Matthew, Joshua and Emma Harmon, William and Abigail Reinke and Emmett and Issac Reinke; her brother, Ronald Lenert; several brothers and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Art in 1995; her son, Mark in 1996; her daughter, Jane Reinke in 2001; her parents, John and Lillian Lenert, who passed away many years ago; and her younger brother, Jackie, who died in childhood. In honoring Lillian’s wishes, there will be no formal visitation. Her family will receive friends in the narthex of St. Joseph Church on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 8:30 AM until 10:00 AM. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM with Fr. Jerome Leake officiating. Inurnment of her cremains will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by 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 Lillian’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lillian’s name may be made to St. Joseph Church, 722 High St., Aurora, IL 60505 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Lillian M. Michels

August 19, 1924 - June 3, 2017