Mary Patricia Michels

Mary Patricia (Welsh) Michels, affectionally known as Pat, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of July 1, 2025, at the age of 101. She lived a long, beautiful life filled with strength, humor, music, devotion to God and Jesus, and an unwavering love for the people she cherished.
Born on May 5, 1924, to Michael James Welsh and Bernadine (Moran) Welsh in Washington state, Pat moved frequently due to her father's job with the Great Northern Railroad, eventually living in Willmar, MN.
After graduating from Willmar Senior High School, she attended the college of St Catherine (St Catherine University) and after her sophomore year, in 1944, she joined the WAVES, a unit of the United States Navy, serving as a seaman 2nd class USNR at the Brooklyn Naval Hospital in New York City. Following her service, Pat returned to college and graduated from the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and then returned to Willmar, MN.
Pat married Dr. Roger Patrick Michels on December 27, 1947. Together they adopted five children. Pat was deeply involved in the Willmar community and St Mary's Catholic Church. She continued her studies at St Cloud State University, earning a master's degree in counseling. She worked as a counselor and found her true passion in helping people live positive, healthy lives.
In addition to her professional achievements, Pat's greatest joy came from her family and friends. She cherished time spent at the lake with her children and her grandchildren. She remained active- traveling, visiting friends and relatives, and living the active, fun, and healthy lifestyle that she was devoted to well into her 90s. And she leaves behind a legacy of family and friends who she cherished and who loved her dearly.
Pat is preceded in death by her ex-husband Roger Michels, children T.R. Michels, Debra Michels, great granddaughter Kiera Pascua, her parents and her seven Welsh siblings.
Her surviving children are daughters Sheila Stangler and Pamela Kallevig, and son Tom Michels, as well as in-laws Kevin Stangler, Daryl Kallevig and Mary Kleschen.
Grandchildren include Megan (Kallevig) Hoelzel, Dan Stangler, Matthew Michels, Jeffrey Stangler, Bryan Kallevig, Melissa (Michels) Boehmer, Brooke (Kallevig) Eikenberry, Shawn Kallevig, Beth Kern, Tim Dallas Michels, Tawnya (Michels) Perrett, Katie Michels, Julia Michels, and Sarah Michels. "Grandma Pat" also has 27 cherished great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many Michels and Welsh nieces and nephews.
Mary Pat Michels will be interned with honors at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.