James Michel

James Michel

Funeral service for James Michel, 67, of Springfield, was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at Sturm Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Rupp officiating.   

Mr. Michel died Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 at his home.

James Ivan Michel was born Sept. 19, 1947, in Minneapolis, to William and Margaret (Herbst) Michel. The family moved in 1948 to Jeffers where Jim graduated from Jeffers High School. He then attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he studied accounting. Jim married Ruth Christensen on Dec. 23, 1967, in Sioux Falls. Ruth died in November of 1984. He worked for Graham Tire from 1967 to 1991, then moved to Pequot Lakes where he owned and operated L&R Appliance. He married Dawn Dow on April 4, 1986. Jim returned to Graham Tire in 2006 and worked there until his retirement when he moved to Jeffers. He then moved to Springfield in 2014. He was a former member of the Elks Club in Sioux Falls. He was well-known for his role as Santa in Pequot Lakes, and was a board member of Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, cooking, collecting cars and coins, and watching the birds.

He is survived by son Robert Michel and wife Leslie of Minot, N.D; stepsons Brad Dow and wife Rhonda of Marietta, Calif., and Dan Dow and wife Leanne of Minneapolis; four grandchildren; brothers Harry (Carolyn) Michel of Redwood Falls, and William (Darlene) Michel of Jeffers; and sisters Susan Swenson of Windom, Cindy (John) Reid of Windom, and Carol Michel of Jeffers. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ruth, in 1984; and brother Russell.

Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield was entrusted with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.