Virgil Michel

VIRGIL MICHEL Oxford Virgil W. Michel, 97, lifetime Johnson County farmer, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, on his farm, the place he loved! Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 15, at St. Mary's Auditorium in Oxford from 1 to 3 p.m., and a service will begin at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery near Tiffin. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory or memorials may be given for the Oxford First Responders. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com. Virgil William Michel was born May 8, 1917, in rural Johnson County, the son of Harvey and Bertha (Laschke) Michel. He attended and graduated from Cosgrove High School. Virgil married Betty Jean Taylor on Nov. 14, 1945, in Iowa City, and to this marriage six children were born. Virgil spent his lifetime farming, working night and day 365 days a year, a passion, not a job. He also enjoyed playing his violin for many dances in the area, as he was a member of the Mississippi Night Hawks dance band for many years. For many years he could often be found at many of the area square dances. For over 40 years, he made the annual trip to Canada with family and friends to do a little fishing; he loved to fish! In addition, after returning from military service in Vietnam, his son, Terry and wife Rose Ann and their family moved in with Virgil helping him farm for many more years. On most weekends for the last 14 years, his son, Joe, and Virgil made the trip to Joe's lake property in LaPlata, Mo., to fish and relax. His family includes his six children, Gerald Michel of Unionville, Mo., Terry Michel (RoseAnn) of Oxford, Larry "Joe" Michel of Tiffin, Connie Stellinga (Mark) of Tiffin, Julie Michel of Coralville and Michele "Missy" Daugherty of Coralville; seven grandchildren, Rick Michel, Kris Horan, Jenny Jensen, Becky Shive, Tina Michel, Nina Drewis and Erica Daugherty; 11 great-grandchildren, Nick Smith, Matthew Horan, Jonathon Horan, Mollie Michel, Emily Michel, Bailey Michel, Stephen Jensen, David Jensen, Grant Jensen, Carson Shive and Landon Shive; and two nephews, Bill Michel (Mary) and Tom Michel (Ruth). He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Laverl; daughter-in-law, Susan Michel; and two granddaughters, Karmen Smith and Kari Michel. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Virgil's family and his services.