Lois Jean Michels

December 24, 1928 - February 22, 2019

Lois Jean (nee Goodendorf) Michels, 90, of Aurora, passed away on February 22, 2019, in the embrace of her family. She was born December 24, 1928 to Frank and Elizabeth Goodendorf, sister to Mary (George) Manville, Elizabeth (Ralph) Ernzen and Jane Ann (John) Lentz. Lois married Bernard J. Michels, on November 24, 1951 and together they built a family and a legacy in eight children, eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Lois enjoyed working outside the home at Ginsberg’s department store, Burney Bros. and especially at the Aurora YWCA. She was an amazing cook, avid gardener, impressive walker and had a beautiful alto voice that graced several choirs. Lois is survived by her children, Therese Michels, Bernard Michels, Martha Smith, Maureen (Earl) Hardekopf, Janice (Mark) Rudolph, Paul Michels, Terry (Julia) Michels and Ann (Joe) Pressel; her grandchildren Lisa Hardekopf, Adam (Jill) Hardekopf, Matt Smith, Gail Rogers, Jeff (Chelsea Hodge) Hardekopf, Eric Rudolph, Kevin Smith, Doug Hardekopf, Bryan Rudolph, Andrew Michels, Isaac Michels; her great grandchildren Abbi, Emma, Nathan, David, Lilah, William and Barrett; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Anna Marie and Nello Avram; her brother-in-law Jim Michels; many nieces and nephews; and her friends for more than 70 years in the Our Mothers’ Daughters Club. Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bern; her parents; her sisters and much loved in-laws; nephews, niece and dear friends. The family wishes to acknowledge the kind care from the staff at Bickford of Aurora and Angels Grace Hospice as well as Mom’s own personal angels: Margaret, Cathy, Debbie, Mary, Johnnie, and Mira. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 12:00pm at St. Joseph Church, 722 High St., Aurora, IL 60505. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Lois will lie in state Wednesday morning at St. Joseph Church from 11:00am until the funeral hour at 12:00pm. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 from 4:00pm until 7:30pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Lois’ family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Diabetes Association.