Eugene Arthur Michels

September 8, 1934 - June 18, 2022

Gene Michels, of Tonasket, WA, age 87 died June 18, 2022.  He was the son of Edgar and Cynthia Burbank Michels and one of eleven children born to them.  He grew up on the family farm which was located 2 or 3 miles north of Spectacle Lake.

He attended school at Loomis Primary School and graduated from Tonasket High School. Gene was a member of the Eagles Lodge where he enjoyed playing Pinochle, cribbage and visiting with friends.

Gene spent his working career driving truck, both Logging and Longhaul, and enjoyed telling stories about his adventures.

Gene married JoAnn Turpen Rickel on September 7 ^th 1991.

Gene was an avid fisherman and hunter. Gene and JoAnn enjoyed gardening, spending time with family and friends, camping and traveling. Traveling in Ireland, Mexico, Thailand and other countries was a special joy to Gene and JoAnn.

Gene was a kind and loving Grandfather and Uncle, his grandchildren and neices and nephews particularly enjoyed his jokes and sense of humor.

Gene was preceded in death by his mother and father, siblings Marion Michels Heitz, Donald Michels, Erma Michels Swinger, Leota Michels McMillan, Vivian Michels Sutton, Charles Michels, Harvey Michels, Mary Michels Hammons, Joyce Michels Spence, nephew Richie Michels and granddaughter Theresa Fancher

He is survived by his wife JoAnn, sister Paula Michels Cain, three step-children, Pam Fancher, Tenise Kessler and Ken Rickel, grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous neices and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, June 24 ^th at 11:00 AM at the Loomis Mountain View Cemetery with a dinner to follow at the Tonasket Eagles.