Joseph Michaels

Joseph Michaels was born on June 30th 1940 and peacefully fell asleep on Saturday, August 29th, 2015. He was 75 years young and had been a resident of Pacific Grove, CA for over 41 years. Joseph was born in Detroit, MI to immigrant parents Charles Kuttler from Paris, France and Cecilia Michalski from Montreal, Canada. When he was 5, his family moved across the country to Los Angeles, CA where they remained. Though Joe grew up with little means, he remained a rich young man throughout his life with his boisterous humor and wit. He was a natural joke teller.

As a young man, he joined the US Army and served in the Vietnam War. After becoming wounded, Joseph pursued a Masters degree at Fresno State in Rehabilitational Counselling and found much joy in helping others. It was at Fresno State that Joe met the love of his life, Julia, who was studying at the time to become a registered Nurse. They married in 1973 and moved to Pacific Grove, CA the following year where they made their home for good.

Joe, known as "Mickey" to his friends, had a love of painting but was especially passionate about his woodworking. He also loved his dogs and had a reverence for all animals.

Joseph lives on through his beloved wife, Julia, sister, Linda Tedlock, daugher Deborah (son-in-law Jeremy), and grandson Theodore. He was a memorable and lively personality who loved to make people smile. He lived by the Optimist Creed and would tell you to never rush a day of life, be thankful the life we have, and to not smoke.