Ernest J. "John" Michel Jr.

1947 - 2024

Ernest J. "John" Michel, Jr.
Born: December 29, 1947 in Dixon, IL
Died: June 18, 2024 in Dixon, IL
Ernest J. "John" Michel, Jr., 76, of Dixon, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born and raised in Dixon, John attended Dixon High School where he excelled in Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and Track, earning letters in Football, Track, and Wrestling. You can find many plaques in the Dixon High School gym area commemorating records that he set. Although he did well at all these sports, his first love was baseball. He started playing baseball as the Al Morrison baseball program was being born and on local teams during high school. He traveled with the slow-pitch softball team Club 51 for many years. He covered 3rd base and ruined many a hitter's chance at making base. He also was a tremendous batsman sending balls way over the fences. He also played for Bethel Church's softball team later in life.
John was owner of Michel's Construction of Dixon for many years and retired in 2017 from Tech Builders of Fairmont, MN where he was a job-site superintendent traveling the Midwest building fast-food restaurants and hotels.
A member of Bethel Church for 40 years, he participated in numerous building/remodeling projects for the church. He was part of the team that started the short-term mission ministry at Bethel Church. He co-lead mission trips to Mexico and Costa Rica from 1991- 2016 and he participated in teams that gave relief to survivors of Hurricane Katrina. He was among the original "Band of Brother's" for Dixon Habitat for Humanity.
He was always ready and willing to step up and help family, friends, and neighbors anytime they had need.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie & Rita (Wolf) Michel; and sisters, Mary Claire Michel, Barbra Scarborough, and Shirley (Joe) Lynch.
John is survived by his wife Sherry of 42 years; sons, Robert (Patti) Kelnhofer of Adair, IA, and Ted Crivello of Lakewood, CO; daughters, Jennifer Kelnhofer of Dixon, Rose (Ed) Caraballo of Pt. St. Lucie, FL, Leslie (Ben) Keegan of Rockford, and Amanda Michel of Sterling; siblings, Gary (Karen) Michel, Janet Nichols, Beverly Haverland, and Joan (Sam) Elliot, all of Dixon; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandson; plus many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held from 10:00 am until the time of Memorial Service at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Bethel Church in Dixon, with Pastor Ron West, officiating. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Burial will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Bethel Church in Dixon, and Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.