George Michels

age 93, of Hammond, IN passed away Thursday, October 19, 2017. George is survived by his loving daughter, Dr. Ann Andaloro of Morehead, Kentucky; sons, George (January) Michels of Cedar Lake, James Michels of Munster; grandchildren, Joseph Andaloro, Rose (fiancée, Chris) Andaloro, Sarah Newell, Amy (fiancée, Will) Michels, George Daniel (Kathy) Michels, James Jr. (Milena) Michels, Georgieann Michels, Vaso (fiancée, Alexandra) Michels; great grandchildren, Teigan Newell, Londyn Kinnie, Easton Kinne, Luka Michels; loving friend, Barbara Gambill; daughter in law, Maria Michels; mother of grandchildren, Carla Michels; and many nieces and nephews. George is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annie; and parents, Frank and Anna Michels.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 2:00 – 8:00 PM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home , 14 Kennedy Ave Schererville, IN (corner of Kennedy Ave. and Main St.) with a 7:00 PM Parastas.  Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 10:00 AM DIRECTLY at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 8103 Columbia Ave., Munster, IN with Fr. Steven Koplinka officiating. George will lie in state at the church from 9:30 AM until time of service and be laid to rest directly after service at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Hammond, IN.

George was a standout tight end at East Chicago Washington High School, earning All-State honors in 1942 after he and the Senators were crowned 'Mythical State Champions'.

After high school, George served his country as a Staff Sergeant with the 398th Bomb Squad of the United States Air Force. During his years of service George was an aircraft crew chief and was awarded numerous decorations and accommodations including the Victory Medal and 3 Bronze Battle Stars.

While serving his country George represented the Air Force and won an Armed Forces Golden Gloves boxing championship for his weight class.

Following his service career and time spent touring the country with his bomber unit, George returned to Northwest Indiana and was the manager and head coach of many successful America Legion 266 baseball teams.

George later started his professional career and became a successful local businessman which began early on as the sole proprietor of National Culvert Company in Gary, IN.

George would go on to open and run George Michels Bar and Grill for more than 60 successful years.

On May 1st 1983 George was inducted into the East Chicago Sports Hall of Fame and would later be awarded the East Chicago Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.

The family would like to thank caregiver Rosie Springer, Nurse Renee Harangody, and the Hammond fire department.  Was a member of the Goodfellows Club in East Chicago.  In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Nicholas Byzantine Church would be appreciated.

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