Born on April 8, 1960 in Manchester, CT, he was the only child of parents Kurt and Susanne Michels, who had emigrated from Germany only 6 months prior. The day after graduating from Manchester High School in 1978, Ralf started his Florida adventure when he moved with his parents to Plantation. He became a Certified Mechanic from the American Motorcycle Institute in Daytona Beach, attended RETS electronic school and was certified in electronics, and worked security for Sunrise Theatre in Ft. Lauderdale. Needless to say, South Florida in the late 70s and early 80s was a wild place, and Ralf enjoyed every wild moment of it. After living in South Florida, Ralf moved to Tallahassee to pursue a degree at Florida State University (FSU); he graduated with a major in German and a minor in Political Science. He subsequently attended FSU Law School, earning his Juris Doctor in 1990. In 1991, he met his wife, Frances Sobel Michels, and they married in 1994. Their daughter, Peggy Susanne Michels was born in 1998.
Ralf worked as an attorney in Tallahassee for several state agencies, most notably for the Department of Business Regulation in the Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Division, and the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Division. His most recent employment was as a hearing officer for the Agency for Health Care Administration, where he was highly regarded by his colleagues for his compassion and down-to-earth personality. Ralf earned his real estate license and was also a practicing Realtor.
Ralf had many interests. He was extremely knowledgeable about American and European history, and politics. He loved cars and motorcycles, and was an expert on Harley Davidson. Ralf collected motorcycles, old stereo equipment and receivers, and many other objects of interest.
Ralf was known for his intelligence, outrageous humor, sharp wit, loyalty to his family and friends, and his fun-loving, partying spirit. His friends will miss hanging out and drinking a German beer in his original man-cave. His family will miss his booming voice and hugs. The world is a much more boring and quiet place with his passing.
Ralf is survived by his wife, Frances, daughter Peggy, aunt Katharina, cousin Gabriele, a host of wonderful relatives in Germany, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Kurt Michels, his mother Susanne Michels, and his uncle, Hans Michels.
There will be a Celebration of Ralf’s Life at the Tallahassee Car Museum on Monday, January 16 at 3:30.
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