Gerald Eugene "Mike" Michl

Gerald Eugene Michl was born in Newton, Illinois the son of Ed & Ethel Michl. He attended the Reisner school and Newton high school. He was the fifth of seven children and gained the nickname "Preach" as he reminded his older siblings of a revival preacher. Older siblings included Ruby Alice (Kraft), Raymond Edward, Fay Kathryn (Waterstradt)and Maurice William. Younger siblings include Constance Louise (Hall) and Edward Lee. After high school he worked briefly in the Chicago area and then enlisted in the Navy serving throughout WWII initially on submarines and later in entertainment. He trained at Great Lakes Naval training center and served in the Pacific based out of Treasure Island in California. He was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years. A job offer from a former military friend took him to Abilene, Texas after the war where he met and married Betty Logan in 1946. They moved with their young baby Betty to northern Illinois in 1949. Daughters Sharon Ann and Mary Lyn were born there. Mike worked as an electrician and movie operator throughout his life. In 1963, the family moved to Newton, where Mike owned his own business Michl Electric. In 1978, Betty and Mike moved to Weatherford, Texas. In addition to three daughters, they had five grandchildren, Matt, Mark and Tommy Mainord and Carrie and Michael Dold.