Decorah, Iowa - Ronald Michels

October 15, 1954 - January 12, 2026

Ronald "Ron" William Michels, age 71, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in LaCrosse, WI, surrounded by family. He died of interstitial lung disease.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 W Main St., Decorah, Iowa, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E Water St., Decorah, Iowa. Also, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Wednesday morning.

Ron was born on October 15, 1954, in Independence, IA, to Robert and Mildred (Miller) Michels. He attended grade school in Stanley and later graduated from Oelwein Community High School. After high school, he graduated from Area I Vocational -Technical College at Fort Atkinson with an Associate degree in the Tractor Mechanics Program and later returned to Hazleton, IA, to farm with his dad. During this time, he was united in marriage to Beverly Benson, but they later divorced. To this union, 4 children were born: Bruce, Tina, Daniel, and Tammy.

Ron later moved to Decorah, where he met Mary Jane Houdek and married in 1990. They were engaged in 3 weeks and 2 days after meeting. To this union, a son, Alex Michels, was born. Mary Jane also brought into this union a daughter, LaTasha Ellis.

As a young child and adult, Ron had a love for farming. He farmed alongside his dad for many years before moving to Decorah, IA. He mainly worked for Dan O'Brien building houses, as well as other construction work, plumbing and mechanical work for Casper Plumbing & Heating before retirement. When Ron wasn't working, you might find him trout fishing, deer hunting with family, prairie dog hunting with his sons and grandson in the Dakotas, canoeing, camping, or Dutch oven cooking. Ron also had a love for tractor pulls. In his younger years, you'd find him at a pull. Running the sled that he operated with a friend throughout Iowa and Wisconsin. Ron loved watching his grandchildren play sports. He didn't miss many games, whether it be football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, or trap shooting. You could catch Ron and Mary Jane at the school plays and concerts - any time they could see the kids perform, they were there. Ron was a jokester but didn't like it if the joke was on him! Ron loved his westerns and a cold Busch Light. In his final hours, the western channel played on into the quiet of the night, surrounded by family. He will be missed.

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Michels. Children: Bruce (Tina) Michels, Hesper, IA; Daniel (Olga) Michels, Decorah, IA; Tammy (Jason) Folstad, La Crescent, MN; Alex (Sarah) Michels, Harpers Ferry, IA. Step-daughter: LaTasha (Saul) Ellis, Detroit, MI. Grandchildren: Bryce Michels, Maddison (Blake) Henry, Robert Michels, Luke Langreck, Alan Michels, Tiffany Michels, Elizabeth Michels, Ava Folstad, Amara Folstad. Step-Grandchildren: Brody Folstad, Madalynn Folstad, Brooklyn Ellis, Saul D. Ellis, and Skylar Ellis. Great-Grandson: Ordell Henry. Sisters: Diana (Charlie) Smith, Arlene Ullrich, Joyce (Tom) DeSotel, Julie (Arne) Dettbarn. Sister-in-laws: Roselyn Houdek, Diane Houdek, Georgette (Jeff) Pierce, Colleen (Loren) Busch, Jacqueline (Darwin) Kupka. Brother-in-law: Michael (Loreen) Houdek. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, friends and extended families.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mildred Michels. Daughter: Tina Langreck. Grandson: Lance Langreck. Brother-in-laws: Al Ullrich and John Houdek. Father and mother-in-law: Marvin and Ann Houdek.