Paul W. Michel

Paul William Michel, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his beloved family on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the age of 82.

He was born May 9, 1943 in Chicago, the son of the late Paul and Dolores (McCormick) Michel.

Paul had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy with his hands in the earth—tending apple trees, raspberries, and pumpkin patches that delighted his grandchildren. Summers spent at family homes in Minnesota were filled with lifelong friendships and days embracing the outdoors, where he felt most at peace fishing, hunting, and working outside. He often joked that in another life he could have been a farmer or a builder. A devoted grandpa and great-grandpa, Paul’s love for family was constant and steady.

It would be remiss not to mention Paul’s deep love for his beloved golden retrievers. We take solace in the image of him reuniting with them on the Rainbow Bridge, where they greet him once more with wagging tails and boundless devotion. His goldens were loyal companions who shared his love of the outdoors, faithfully by his side on quiet mornings and during long days spent outside.

Paul will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Paul was the loving husband of Pat for 62 years of marriage; beloved father of Chip (Janet) Michel, Tim (Tracey) Michel, Terry Michel, and Laura (George) Baartmans; adored grandpa of Ryan (Morgan) Michel, Zachary (Kailey) Michel, Jake (Julie) Michel, Abby Michel, Ben Michel, Jack Michel, Anna Michel, Ryan (Sarah) Baartmans, Kirsten (Twila) Filipiak, Patrick Baartmans, and Matthew Baartmans; loving great-grandpa of Brady, Jaye, Colton, Quinn, Parker, and Reese; and cherished brother of Jim (Marion) Michel, Marsha Michel, and the late Robert (Charlette) Michel.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 23, 2026 from 5pm – 8pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake. The funeral Mass will be held at 1:30pm the following day, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave, Woodstock. Interment will be held in the Spring at Evergreen Cemetery, Barrington.

Donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the charity of your choice.