Thomas Richard Michels, 76, of Aurora passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family on January 6, 2024. Tom was born on March 30, 1947 in Aurora and was the son of Edward and Mary (Petit) Michels. He graduated in the class of 1966 from Roncalli High School and in 1968 was drafted into the United States Army where he served the majority of his enlistment in the Panama Canal Zone. Following his time in the Army, Tom attended DeVry University, earned an Associate's Degree from Waubonsee Community College and attended Northern Illinois University. In 1971, Tom married the love of his life, Carolyn (Forbes), who he adored for 52 years.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn and his four loving children, Stacy Michels, Sara (Donald) Shinault, Anthony (Abigail) Michels and Kristen (Keith) Vernon; two grandchildren, Alysen and Kylie Shinault. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth (Carol) Michels, John (Terre) Michels, Joseph (Sue) Michels and sister Cele (Frank) Reinert as well as his sister-in-law Judy (David) Mayne and former sister-in-law Karen Michels and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary (Petit) Michels, sisters Carol (Morse) and Mary Pat Abel-Michels, brothers-in-law Brad Abel, Charles Forbes and Richard Morse, as well as his father and mother-in-law, Gordan and Margaret Forbes, and dear nephew Peter Michels.
Tom dedicated 41 years working as a driver/salesman for Anheuser-Busch in Montgomery. Tom was an active longtime parishioner of St Joseph Parish in Aurora, where he was a Eucharist minister, lector and member in multiple ministries and evangelization committees.
Tom loved spending time in his vegetable garden and could be found in the church parking lot after Mass sharing the abundance of tomatoes with fellow parishioners. He enjoyed tinkering around in the garage, working on a number of household projects, or riding his bicycle around the neighborhood where he never met a stranger. After Mass he could be found in the Narthex talking with fellow parishioners and most of the time being the last one to leave the church. Tom loved spending time with his family and especially with his two granddaughters who loved to ride in the cart behind the riding lawnmower. He was a master griller and popcorn connoisseur.

A memorial Mass will be held Monday, January 15, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate. Burial will be private.
A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500. Please visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Tom's family.

Tom's family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Divine Palliative and Hospice Care in Yorkville, especially Geisi and Kayley for providing him gentle care and supportive guidance to his devoted wife who did everything in her power to keep him in the comfort of his own home during this long journey.
Tom will be greatly missed as he was loved by many.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tom's memory to Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment (Ibda.org)