Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Fritz "Fred" Michaelis

Fritz Michaelis Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Fritz "Fred" Michaelis
Start: 2025-07-26T13:30:00.000Z
Location: Southminster Presbyterian Church

Fritz "Fred" Michaelis

Fritz "Fred" Michaelis, born September 23, 1934, in Fox River Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025.

Raised in Chicago by German immigrant parents, he nurtured a lifelong passion for art and music through various opportunities in the city. He later attended Palatine High School, where he lettered in track and acted in theater productions. After serving in the US Army, Fritz earned a Bachelor of Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he met and married his wife, Fay, in 1963. For 32 years, he thrived as an art teacher with Dist 214, primarily at Arlington High School; he also earned a Master's from the Institute of Design-IIT before retiring in 1994.Â Honored as a Friend of the Arts in 1997, Fritz inspired many students, some becoming art teachers.

Post-retirement, he worked at Arlington Camera Store, pursued photography, created art glass, performed with the West Suburban Radio Players, and volunteered for 20 years at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park. He and Fay enjoyed traveling and hosting friends for delicious gourmet meals. A devoted Christian, Fritz studied and taught God's Word throughout the years. His wit and infectious laughter enlivened most every conversation, and he will be deeply missed.

Fritz is survived by wife, Fay; children, Klee (Wendy) and Mai (Simon); 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Carl; and many others inspired by his legacy.

A memorial service and reception will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, July 26, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 E. Central Rd., Arlington Heights, IL. The service will be livestreamed atÂ https://www.youtube.com/live/saF-FtGiZrY .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Herald on Jul. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Fritz Michaelis

Sponsored by Daily Herald.

16 Entries

Joseph Cuenco

August 28, 2025

I met Mr. Michaelis back in high school as his daughter and I were in the symphony together. He cared for his family deeply and i vividly remember all the books in their home. Mai, I am sorry to hear that he passed away

Craig Lasher (class of '72)

July 26, 2025

To the Michaelis family...as we grieve his loss, Fritz is experiencing the fullness of joy in the presence of Jesus, his Lord, his redeemer, his King.

Debra Segura

July 25, 2025

the best art teacher ever! class of 1974

Michelle Clark-Dague 82´

July 25, 2025

Mr.Michaels, was a wonderful teacher encouraging and challenging students to be not only their best artist but also their best self! The lessons learned from him are many and are a constant guide as I got my BFA in medical illustration and later went on to get my teaching degree to become a middle school art teacher. I learned how much of an absolute treasure his teaching was in talking to other art teachers telling them the skills and lessons he and Mr Craig taught us at AHS art classes. My one friend told me I had learned and experience more materials in high school than she had through college!
I hope I do him and his memory justice in trying to do the same with my middle school art students! He once told me that he had the best job in the world and I concur. Your spirit will go on forever in every life you directly or indirectly touched with your spirit. You have achieved much!
Condolences and love to everyone who was blessed with having him in their lives.
Special prayers to his wonderful wife and kids. A life well lived

Dawn Nelson

July 24, 2025

Mr. Michaelis led me to my life´s path. As an Art Teacher, for 30 years I began my first class with each new group of 6th grader´s by saying, "I am going to start your first day of Art class with the same lesson that my wonderful High School Art Teacher , Fritz Michaelis, started my first class of high school art with. As an artist, I remember each piece of the incredible curriculum he followed, and the fundamental´s of Art that I learned so well from him. I remember architecture field trips to Chicago, being introduced to the Bauhaus, and being asked, "Where is your dada spirit?" I remember babysitting for Klee as a little boy when the family lived around the corner from me when I was in high school. I remember the kindness and grace of Fay. And I remember the power that an excellent teacher can on the lives of their students. And I am especially thinking of Fay, Klee, and Mai now.

Theodore Foltman

July 24, 2025

Class of 69 Mr Fritz and Mr Walker changed my life through there amazing teaching efforts I Finnally got the spirit to paint from them and to gental my soul and spirit so to you Mr Michaels you have a great reason to have that peaceful look on your face it´s a face of pride thank you from my Theodore 69

Kelly Spratt-Szarzynski

July 24, 2025

Such a wonderful teacher and human, I remember him and his classes in the 80s well. He left a lasting impression as both an art teacher and mentor. Very sorry for your loss.

Susan O´Dor Bauman (class of 1968)

July 24, 2025

Mr Michaels was such an inspiration and mentor to me. Students were so lucky to learn from his creative talent. His encouragement led me to major in art and continue in it as a vocation.

Cheryl Heiden class 1974

July 24, 2025

He was a great teacher, and I used my art skills through my life thank you RIP

Jim Manos (Class of 1969)

July 24, 2025

Mr. Michaelis taught me drawing and printmaking at Arlington High School in the late 60s and I have continued in printmaking and other art pursuits all these many years since. You helped me make my first lithograph, etching and relief prints, Mr. Michaelis. Thank you!

Gary and Susan Osborn

July 24, 2025

Remembering Fritz and Fay and keeping your family close in hearts and prayers.

Cheryl G. Petrone

July 24, 2025

I worked with Fritz at Arlington High School. He was the Art teacher and I was the librarian. Fritz was a wonderful and caring teacher. A few years ago, I was delighted to have Fritz lead my tour at the Frank Lloyd Wright home in Oak Park, Illinois.

Diane Ludwig

July 24, 2025

Hugs to friends and family for your loss! As we all know, Fritz was a blessing and inspiration to many people. A rare soul! He was my teacher at Arlington. I know of at least two other students who went on to be professional artists. I'll cherish my memories!

Linda Simon Delaney

July 24, 2025

Mr Michaelis was such a wonderful teacher. We were so lucky to have such a strong art program in District 214. He inspired so many and the level of instruction was incredible. I would have loved to tell him how much his encouragement changed my life. My condolences and prayers to his family. His memory lives on in our continued creativity.
Linda Simon Delaney (Class of 1974)

DELYNN WINKELMAN

July 23, 2025

Mr. Michaelis helped me develop my love of art all through my years at Arlington High. My condolences to his family.

Debra Downs

July 23, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss Fay, Klee and Mai, and family. Fritz was a one of a kind person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His stained glass windows and tiramisu were amazing!

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results