Delbert "Del" L. Michel

Delbert L. "Del" Michel, age 79, of Elgin, MN, passed away in Rochester, MN on May 1, 2018. He had courageously faced the challenges of primary progressive aphasia, a neurological syndrome. Delbert was born on March 29, 1939, to Sedalia E. and Mabel E. (Kaul) Michel in Farmington Township, Olmsted County, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rochester. On April 8, 1961, Delbert married the love of his life, Marcella Hazel Cox, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview, MN. From teen-age sweethearts to lifelong soul mates, Del and Marcie were inseparable. They were rarely seen apart. If you saw one of them, you knew the other was nearby. They went through life as a team, always supporting each other, combining their talents and abilities to embrace the same goals in life. Their marriage was blessed with two wonderful children, a daughter, Jules, and son, Darren. Growing to adulthood, Jules and Darren enjoyed the warmth of growing up in a home where hugs were freely given and the words "I love you" and "I'm proud of you" came easily and often. He taught them life lessons by example and practical life skills with his "can do" attitude, ingenuity and hard work. Except for time spent serving the military, Delbert was a lifelong farmer. As a young man, he began his farming career with his father. Later, he and Marcie purchased the farm they still call home. He loved the land and understood the importance of preserving it for future generations. Del and Marcie were dedicated to making a success of their business. They worked together to plant, tend, harvest and market their crops. Del's skills and abilities were well suited for his chosen profession. He was mechanically gifted, creative, inventive and able to wisely manage time and resources. A year after their marriage, Del's farming career was interrupted by a call to serve in the U.S. Army. He actively served in the U.S. Army from April 16, 1962, until March 10, 1964. After training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he served one year in Thailand with the 809th Engineer Battalion. He worked as a bulldozer operator and in construction building a modern road across Thailand. Upon returning to the States, he was based in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, serving with the 497th Engineer Company (Port Construction). Upon returning home, he served in the U. S. Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge on March 31, 1968. Upon completing his active military service, Del had returned home to resume his life's work of farming which he continued until his retirement. Del loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling, collecting G Scale model trains, unique marbles and bird watching. He took pride in keeping the lawn and flower gardens beautifully maintained. Del and Marcie enjoyed working together to entertain family and friends. Decorating the interior of their home for Christmas was a special time and the perfect reason to invite guests. Delbert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marcella "Marcie" Michel, daughter, Jules Michel (Chris) Blum, son Darren Michel (Dawn Guidinger), grandson, Dario Michel Blum, brother, Dale (Lucille) Michel, all of Rochester and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Deloris Swee and nephew, Dana Michel. In addition, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis and Hazel Cox. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 2124 Viola Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday, May 7, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester with full military honors. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com