Chester Frank Michels

Chester Frank Michels, 99, of Nashville, TN (formerly Danville, IL and Kewanee, IL) went home to be with His Lord on January 14, 2011. Memorial service will be at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, January 18, Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N. Vermilion, Danville, IL. Pastor Neil Norheim will officiate. Visitation will precede the memorial service from 4:00-6:00 at Sunset Funeral Home. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, Kewanee, IL. Mr. Michels was born July 3, 1911, in Bone Gap, IL a son of Chester and Lily Michels. He married Gertrude Harris on September 22, 1934 in Albion, IL. She died November 14, 1976. They had two children; Suzanne who died in 1971 and Stephen (Wendy) who survives. Also surviving are two grandsons and their families; Justin and Chris Michels of Bloomington, IL, with their two children, Parker and Hayley. Also Troy Michels of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In addition he is survived by three sisters: Ferris Crackel, Albion, IL, Imogene Kight, Allendale, IL and Nieta Hunley, Fairfield, IL. On December 16, 1978, Mr. Michels married Helen Wilhite of Danville, IL. She survives. They were happily married for 32 years. They enjoyed traveling especially to the Holy Land. Also surviving are 2 step daughters, Martha Mikel and Diana Pridgen; 8 step grandchildren, Scott and Steve Wilhite, Cathy Rivera, Terri Powell and Susie Wilhite; Cheri Holland, Julie Wynn and Cindy Peevler; 11 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. A step son, Bill Wilhite preceded him in death in 1992. Mr. Michels served the Lord all his life. He was the first president of the Central Illinois Evangelistic Association. He assisted in the establishment of three Christian churches, served as president of the Vermilion Co. Churches of Christ and secretary of the Christian Counseling Service. His civic service included president of the Wethersfield Library Board and Vice-President of Illinois Valley Library System. He taught school for 2 years, was a social worker for 9 years with Illinois Public Aid and spent the majority of his career with Country Companies Insurance. Mr. Michels was proud of his time serving the United States in the U.S. Army. He entered service May 28, 1943 and was discharged March 20, 1946 as a Tech. Sergeant. He served in France and Luxembourg. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, two Battle Stars, La Croix de Guerre from the Luxembourg Government and U.S. Army Commendation Medal. He aided in arrangements for the burial of General George Patton in Luxembourg. While in Luxembourg a farewell banquet for 4 officers and 2 enlisted men was held. He was one of the enlisted men and was invited to the palace meeting Prince Felix who pinned a medal on him for service rendered to their country. Mr. Michels was previously a member of First Christian Church, Kewanee, IL and Central Park Christian Church, Danville, IL. He spent many years volunteering at nursing homes and various churches. He also enjoyed an occasional game of golf or basketball. Memorial gifts may be made to Go Ye Chapel, 8 Laurel Ave., P.O. Box 9, East Islip, NY 11730