With great sadness, yet with wonderful memories, we say goodbye to our husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Richard H. Michel. Known as Rich to many in the community, he will be remembered for his kindness and unique qualities. He was a friend to all and was also known as Papa to two beloved granddaughters.
Rich is survived by his wife of 43 years, Diane Egan Michel. They were married on September 12, 1981. Together, they raised one daughter, Renae Kuck Gregg of East Greenwich, RI, and one son, Rocky B. Michel, who passed away in 2010. His two granddaughters, Claire Jane Gregg and Isla Grace Gregg, were the joys of his life.
Rich was born on May 21, 1950, to Richard J. and Marion (Hartwig) Michel in Sandusky, OH. He enjoyed adventures at Cedar Point and fishing in Lake Erie. In Sandusky, he was raised until 1961 with two sisters and one brother. One sister, Gail Johnson of Cleveland, OH, and one brother, Joseph (Susan) Michel of Cincinnati, OH, survive him. Another sister, Mary Ann, preceded him in death. Rich had three nephews: Keith Johnson, Kevin Johnson, and Jesse Michel.
The family moved to Bowling Green, where Rich attended junior high and high school. In 1967, Rich joined the U.S. Army. He served first in Turkey and Germany, followed by a year-long tour in Vietnam. After the Army, Rich lived in Lakeland, FL, for eight years.
Upon returning to Ohio, he began working in grounds and maintenance at BGSU. This included several years as caretaker of the BGSU president’s grounds, which featured extensive landscaping, a pool, and tennis courts. Rich was known for his beautiful flower beds of impatiens and other spring flowers at both his home and BGSU. He won city awards for several years.
Music was Rich’s strong suit, with his dynamic voice as the lead singer in Relik and the Rich Michel Band, which is still remembered by many in Bowling Green. He continued with his own karaoke business for about a decade, alongside Bowling Green Music and Sound, a business he co-owned on Wooster Street.
In retirement, he was, above all, a supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Whatever his “girls” needed or wanted was always his top priority. He and Diane enjoyed many trips to Rhode Island to celebrate holidays and attend sporting events and school milestones. In addition, Rich and Diane traveled to Europe several times, the Caribbean, and took road trips to Florida and Midwest destinations.
Rich’s caring ways and energetic personality will remain in our hearts forever. His Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Bowling Green on May 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery. After that, family and friends will honor him at the City Park Veterans Memorial Building, starting at 1:00 PM.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green. www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
