Siegfried Michaelis, age 89, of Holland, MI went home to be with Jesus on Friday, December 21, 2024.
Siegfried was born in West Berlin, Germany in 1935. He and his parents survived the war, and the family were able to leave Germany in 1949. He arrived in Chicago with his parents on November 6, 1949. He was 14 years old. He graduated from Lane Tech High School and joined the Army. He served overseas in Germany as a Special Police. He returned from active duty and served with the Army Reserve after that. He then began his career at the People’s Gas utility Company where he worked for over forty years.
Upon returning from the military, Siegfried married his High School Youth Group Sweetheart, Arlene. They were married for 64 years and raised 4 boys residing in Oak Park, IL for 27 years. He was a devoted and loving husband.
Siegfried always had an active faith and served others in a variety of capacities including Habitat for Humanity and New Moms.
Siegfried loved biking, traveling with his wife to Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Germany, and Russia. Sanibel Island and Disney were annual visits for the couple for several winters.
Siegfried also enjoyed playing and coaching soccer. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears, Black Hawks and especially his beloved Cubs.
Perhaps his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his son Kevin and his wife Arlene.
He is survived by Keith (Sue) Michaelis of Arlington Hts, IL, Jeff Michaelis (Mary Beth) of Holland, Eric (Mina) Michaelis of Holland; Grandchildren Kevin Michaelis, Cailey (Sam) Thomas, Brendan Michaelis, Joshua (Michelle) Michaelis, Nathaniel (Jordan) Michaelis, and Mathias Michaelis; Greatgrandchildren Jonah, Isaiah and Ella.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00p.m. Friday, January 3, 2024, at Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave in Holland. Rev Bill Lindner will be officiating. The final resting place will be in Acacia Park Cemetery in Illinois. Memorial contributions may be given to Samaritan’s Purse or the Holland Rescue Mission.
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