Robert O. “Mike” Michel, 89, died Feb. 7, 2010 at Kern Valley Skilled Nursing Facility in Mt. Mesa, Calif. He was the oldest of six children born to Oscar and Agnes (DePriest) Michel on Sept. 1, 1920 in Pleasant Lake, N.D. He was raised in West Allis, Wis. and served in the United States Coast Guard from 1942 to 1943. On Nov. 8, 1942, he married Mary Ann Howard, and together, they had one son, Howard. The family first became residents of China Lake in 1956, and Mike was employed as a meat cutter at the China Lake Commissary until he retired in the mid-1970’s. Mike and Mary Ann moved to Johannesburg, Calif., in 1970 where they lived until Mary Ann’s death in 1990. On June 1, 1998, he married Evelyn Blurton, and they lived in Mt. Mesa with their dog Bitsy. Throughout his life, he was a devoted Lutheran, volunteered his time at his church, coached local Pony League and Little League baseball teams during the 1960’s, and was involved with Builders For Christ. He will also be remembered for his daily five-mile walks.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Evelyn Michel; sister, Olga Wascher of Greenfield, Wis.; son and daughter-in-law Howard and Carol Michel of Johannesburg; stepsons and their wives Don and Jan Blurton of Bakersfield, and Monte and Kelly Blurton of Ridgecrest; grandson, Robert H. Michel and his wife, Heidi and their son and daughter Aaron and Kaycee of Green Bay, Wis.; granddaughters, Andrea Mobley and her two daughters Chelsea and Sarah of Bakersfield; Jennifer Keep and husband Thomas and their two daughters, Holly and Emma; and Kelly Treat and husband Thomas, Jr. and their two sons Christian and Justin of Ridgecrest.

He is also survived by step grandsons Michael Blurton and wife Kathy and their granddaughter Katelyn Bird of Ridgecrest, Daniel Blurton and David Blurton; step granddaughters Charity Soules and husband Freddie of Ridgecrest; and Julie Gardner and husband Jacob and their daughter and son Elizabeth and Jackson of Bakersfield; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Mary Ann Michel, his first wife of 47 years; brother, William; and sisters, Hallie, Jane and Elizabeth.

A memorial service will take place Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at 12:00 P.M. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at 377 Hwy. 155 in Lake Isabella, Calif. Reception to follow.