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Douglas Gary Michaels
Douglas Gary Michaels
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Douglas Michaels Obituary
Doug's educational journey began at Webster Elementary School in La Crosse, followed by La Crosse Central High School, where he graduated in the class of 1956. He furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse graduating with a masters degree in chemistry. Doug served in the Army for 1 year and 10 months, bringing dedication and resilience to his military service.
After moving his family to Oceanside, CA in the late 1960s, Doug became a much loved teacher in the Carlsbad Unified School District, where he taught chemistry and math at Carlsbad High School, and Valley Middle School from 1968 until his retirement in 2000. His unique approach to teaching, infused with humor and a genuine connection with his students, enabled them to excel in their studies.
In 1969, Doug married June Givens, and they remained devoted to one another until her passing in 2002. He is survived by his sister, Kathy Davidson, daughter Laura Michaels, step-daughter Mary Ann Schaefer and step-son Rusty Givens, as well as many close relatives and childhood friends who are forever dear to his heart. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Michaels Sr., Mayme Dahl-Michaels, and siblings, Henry, Larry, and Fred Michaels, and Ann Ramos.
During his retirement years, Doug was affectionately nicknamed¨The Youngster" and often the star of karaoke nights where he was a natural entertainer. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 3rd in San Marcos, CA . He will be laid to rest at Farmington Cemetery in Mindoro, WI, this September in a family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give.
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Thomas Buscher
January 4, 2025
I was a Geometry student of Doug´s, Class of 1976, (Mr. Michaels to we mere mortals). He was the very best, and clearly my favorite teacher there.
I still have a copy of his 10 rules for citizenship during his class, including my favorite: "No student shall throw any object and distance."
Please accept my late condolences.
Maria
August 13, 2024
I met Doug at Karaoke in Vista California,2007. Doug was sitting with some mutual friends. He was very friendly and easy to talk to. I loved that he sang a lot of Standards and Oh, What A Voice! My son said he had Golden Pipes. Doug was surprised that I knew and liked the Standards. He told me I looked like Betsy Palmer and was surprised that I knew who she was. ( I didn't see it). We chatted that evening and became fast friends...and there was always laughter!
I had the pleasure of being introduced to his childhood friend from Wisconsin, Bruce a.k.a. Bruno and his lovely wife Andy. We had so many fun adventures with Bruce and Andy: Las Vegas, Catalina, walks on the beach whenever they came to visit. It was clear why they were lifelong friends. Again, there was always laughter!
I also had the pleasure of meeting the love of Doug's life, his daughter, Laura. Through her devotion to him she got him through some tough times, his heart surgery, December, 2015 or 16., Doug recovered like a Champ and was back to singing and dancing, his life passions. When his health started to decline, it was Laura's sweet and loving care. Eventually, he was fortunate to have Caprice for his caregiver Caprice and Laura worked tirelessly as a team to keep Doug alive. I believe that it was their loving care and vigilance that kept him alive and also his passion for singing!
I invited him to come to the clubhouse in the community where I live for karaoke once a month..He got a standing ovation the first time back after Covid. He was such a trooper. He looked forward to those once a month outings. It was only fitting that we celebrated his life at the clubhouse venue! The community, friends and family honored and celebrated him so warmly, sharing their words, songs and memories. Doug and I were soulmates. We were best buddies and companions. " Love you dearly", my friend, as we used to say to each other. I miss you! Thanks for the memories.
Loren Dixon
August 4, 2024
Laura, I was soooo looking forward to singing and celebrating Doug's life. Unfortunately i have contracted a bug that came on suddenly as i was dressing to go to the celebration. I am so disappointed to miss this very special occasion for a very special person who affected us all with his funny exhuberant ways. He was always a delight to hear his tenor voice. I am still under the weather today and staying home. Doug was always the life of the party when he was well enough to attend our karaoke gigs in our home. He is seriously missed by all of us. Love you, Loren
The Wildes
August 3, 2024
I love and miss you so much Doug. I loved seeing you walk up to our home all the time, tell us you loved us, making me feel beautiful. I remember you and Laura visiting during Christmas one year and sat down looking at our cool lights. You sang me a song and I still have th recording. You had a beautiful soul and a beutiful voice, eerything about you was just about nearly perfect. Please know how much Joshua loved you and has been stopping by your house and staring a lot. I will see you again someday.
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Alice Crowe
August 2, 2024
Laura, condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father, whom I knew from Scripps, where he was definitely recognized for a vibrant, jovial personality. I remember him always smiling and lighting up the room with his humor and positive energy, and his cap. Always the SL red cap! Love seeing these photos. May you find comfort in the legacy he leaves, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared.
Alice @ Dr Hu's office
Julie Hundt
July 13, 2024
Julie Hundt
July 13, 2024
Julie Hundt
July 13, 2024
Doug was such a warm and supportive uncle. I remember many visits he made to us in LaCrosse over the years. He always paid special attention to us kids, he was so funny and very talented playing piano and singing.
He came to my wedding in 99 to support me as my father had died the year before. The photo shows him singing Nat King Cole´s "Unforgettable" at the wedding dance. And that is exactly what he was. I´ll think of him every time I hear that song.
Loren Dixon
July 12, 2024
Oceanside Elks lodge Karaoke with Doug was always a blast
Loren Dixon
July 12, 2024
For years we would meet up with Doug at the Oceanside ELks Lodge. He was notorius for dancing around and singing to the girls in the room. Doug would frequently come to our home for Karaoke and always sing his songs to one of the ladies present. He had a magnificent voice and is singing duets with Darrell in heaven. Miss them so very much.
Elizabeth Stephens
July 11, 2024
Elizabeth Stephens
July 11, 2024
Elizabeth Stephens
July 11, 2024
Elizabeth Stephens
July 11, 2024
I am a karaoke friend who duets with Doug and performed at Assisted Living Homes with him.
Elizabeth.Stephens
July 11, 2024
Elizabeth.Stephens
July 11, 2024
Elizabeth.Stephens
July 11, 2024
Elizabeth.Stephens
July 11, 2024
Elizabeth.Stephens
July 11, 2024
Elizabeth Stephens
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Ann Pieters
July 11, 2024
Doug was the life of the family gatherings. He is my brother-in-law & somehow we had a connection because we both came from Wisconsin. You will be missed Uncle Doug.(my boys always called you that). Today to this very day they still call you `Uncle Doug´. Love ya & the world will not be the same without You.
Elizabeth D Stephens
July 10, 2024
Met him in karaoke.
Cecilia Michaels
July 10, 2024
I'm not sure about a "1st" memory of Uncle Doug, but I do have loads of memories. As an auditor I would have to travel to SoCal a lot. I would pack the car, and dad, (the very excited older brother). We would stay as close to Uncle Doug as possible. Steak dinners at Sizzler; the salad place (I forget the name) Just for Dad, then just hang out afterwards. The best parts of my trips were to take Uncle Doug to church in the evenings. Oh, and hear all his fabulous karaoke stories. We really Loved that man. I pray for him every day.
Mary Jean Tibbels
July 10, 2024
Teaching with Doug for many years at Valley Middle School brought laughter every day. Students would come from his class into mine & tell me wonderful things Mr. Michael´s did or said. My nickname from Doug was Tibberly, & I appreciate all of the years we were on the same Village team.
Mary Jean Tibbels
Laura Michaels
July 10, 2024
I will never forget my dad dressing up as Santa Claus during my younger years. One time he entered the living room when I was around four years old and handed me gifts to pass out to the family. It was a surreal moment for me thinking I was meeting the REAL SANTA. Looking back, he had a cheap plastic suit on and a cotton ball beard, but he created magic. When I was five years old, I peeked out of my bedroom to see Santa sitting at the dining table eating the cookies and milk I had left him. In return, he left me a bit of his beard behind (which dad later claims it had just fallen apart)! Dad recollected one year when he stood outside my bedroom window ringing sleigh bells, hollering,¨ho, ho,ho,¨ and even climbed up on the roof with a ladder in the dark, stomping to sound like reindeer. Apparently I fell asleep and despite his efforts I never woke up to hear Santa! He loved telling the story of how hard he worked and exhausted himself to try to get my attention. This is the type of dad he was. Every holiday had that special magic only he could bring to life. Thank you dad.
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