Michels, Shawn James

Shawn James Michels, 31, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, from complications due to pneumonia. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon Chapel, by the Rev. Timothy Dodge. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Shawn is survived by his parents, Lowell and Donna Krumroy Michels of Cedar Rapids; his girlfriend, Casey Lesperance, and their son, Izan, of Cedar Rapids; a daughter, Anna Kay of Athens, Ala.; two brothers, Brandon of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Justin of Kettering, Ohio: a sister, Beth Michels of Cedar Rapids; and his grandparents, aunts, uncles and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, and a brother, Jason.

Shawn was born Nov. 23, 1977, in Portland, Ore. After high school Shawn worked in various restaurants around the country. He was currently working at Jimmy Johns in Cedar Rapids.

Shawn was a gentle man with a sweet nature, kind to everyone, always there when you needed a helping hand, and he was adored by his children. He will be terribly missed.

In his adult life, Shawn chose Alabama as his home and whenever he was asked about it, he would declare:

“Oregon born, Colorado raised, Alabama chosen, and Southern by the grace of God. Roll Tide Roll, go Crimson Tide!”

A memorial fund in honor of Shawn has been established.

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