Robert G. Michels

Robert (Bob) was an only child to Doris and Martin Michels, born February 6, 1929. He and his parents moved from his home town of Fairbury, Nebraska to Seattle when he was ten years old. Bobby was a good student in history and math, but school wasn't his favorite place to be. In high school he had many friends and he got his first job at the local movie theater working the snack counter. He also worked at the local bowling alley as a pin setter, which made for some fantastic stories. He had an incredible work ethic and was never without a job from high school until his full retirement in 1996.

Bob graduated from Ballard High School in 1947 but the highlight of high school for him was meeting the love of his life, Gerd J. Bjerkeseth. They were married in 1948 and had two sons, Andrew and Kenny. Bob and Gerd made their home in the Ballard community for more than 50 years, before moving to Everett in 1997 to be near their granddaughters. Bob and Gerd were married for 57 years.

Robert was a generous and loving family man, a respected member of his church, of the Ballard community and the United States Postal Service where he worked as a mail carrier for 39 years.

Mailman Mike as he was known all over the Seattle area, but especially the Sunset Hill/Blue Ridge neighborhood of Ballard was a treasure to all the folks on his route. He was known for his kindness, his generosity and his willingness to help anyone in need.

Many people remember the kind deeds Mike did for them while he delivered their mail, from chasing off mean dogs to helping elderly women carry their groceries. He was routinely invited to family gatherings and holiday parties.

Bob was a gentle man and lover of animals, especially his kitty Charlie who has been his faithful companion for the past twelve years. Throughout his life he owned all kinds of dogs, but was partial to his pitbulls. Bob was also a gifted bowler, fishermen, camper and he loved a good, long road trip cross country.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Gerd; his son, Andrew; his granddaughter, Michelle; and his beloved infant daughter.

Bob is survived by his son, Kenneth, his daughter in law, Shawna; the two loves of his life, his granddaughters, Sofie Marie and Amelia Jean; his brother Marty Michels, wife Martha; and sister Patricia and husband, Gerald.

He is also survived by his dear friends and sisters in law, Ellenor Cooley and JoAnne Petherick and husband Mike; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a giver of all things, be it wisdom, knowledge, a story, a hug, a warm smile or some paper from his pocket that had turned green (money). He had a deep passion for history, at any given time you could find him reading books on forgotten wars or sections out of an encyclopedia. He was a history/war buff and could give you a short history lesson about any battles in the world at any time.

He was a brilliant minded man who always had a smile, a kind word or story to tell. He had a fantastic sense of humor, a sharp mind and wonderful laugh, even when he was not feeling his best.

Bob had been gravely ill this past April and while he defied all the odds for a man his age he was able to recover and do what he said he'd always wanted to do, to see his lovely Sofie and Amelia graduate from high school and he did.

After a sudden illness onset this past week his body was too weak to sustain, and he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

We love you more than words can say, Bob. You were a one of a kind father, brother, father in law, grandpa and friend. We will all do our best to carry on your legacy of kindness, generosity, compassion, and love.

You will be missed.