Robert L. Michels

Robert (Bob) L. Michels was elevated to eternal life on March 17, 2026. He was born on May 12, 1931, to the late Norbert & Niyla (Kahler) Michels.

Bob attended Annunciation grade school and Central Catholic High School graduating in 1949. He was employed by Cohodas Bros. Company until entering United States Army in 1951. He served at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas and Fort Richardson, Alaska until his discharge in 1953.

He married Patricia Ann Benz on August 21, 1954, and they recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. He rejoined Cohodas Bros. in Green Bay and Sheboygan because of buyouts and name change to Food Service of America, he transferred to the Neenah branch where he retired in 1989 as Division Credit Manager of Branches in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. He was then hired as accountant for the Bay Restaurant and Motel until he again retired in 1994. He worked part-time for Knight Barry Title Group in Green Bay until final retirement at age 88.

He survived by his wife Patricia, three daughters; Mary (Robert) Renkens, Lynn (George) Zettel, Karen (Bryan) Lampereur, two sons; James (Kristin) Michels, Matthew (Megan) Michels, 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, one brother in law; Arnold (Bud) Van Oss, one sister in law; LaVurne (Benz) Wyatt.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother in law and father in law, three brothers in law; Robert Haanen, Quinn Benz, and Llyod Benz and two sisters Jean Van Oss and Mary Haanen.

Family and friends may gather for a visitation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere from 2:00 - 3:00 pm until the service at 3:00 pm.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Unity Hospice and the doctors and nurses at St. Vincent Hospital, especially those on the 7th and 9th floors.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.