Leo J. Michels

GRELL, LAMPHERE, MACABE, MICHELS, NICHOLS, NIELSON, PATTERSON, WAIT

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 1/4/2026 at 18:28:43

Leo J. Michels, 84, of Hazleton, Iowa, died Friday morning, January 2, 2026, at his home.

Leo John Michels was born December 9, 1941, in Oelwein, the son of Lawrence and Anna (Patterson) Michels. He graduated from Hazleton High School in 1960. Leo farmed for several years in the Hazleton area with his father. He married Patricia Grell and they later divorced. This union was blessed with five children, Lee, Michelle, Troy, Tracy and Darci. Over the years, Leo was employed at Speedy’s and Geater Manufacturing in Independence and Year-A-Round Cab Co. in Mankato, Minnesota. On October 27, 2000, he was united in marriage to Denice Lorraine (Wait) Nichols in Mankato. Leo enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Leo is survived by his wife: Denice Nichols of Hazleton; 5 children: Lee (Jovanna) Michels of Waconia, Minnesota, Michelle Macabe (Bob Houghtling) of Bozeman, Montana, Troy Michels of Mankato, Tracy (Karen) Michels of Loudon, Tennessee and Darci Michels (James Rieff) of Mankato; 3 stepchildren: Dian Nichols of Independence, Dawn (Tom) Lamphere of Fayette and Matthew Nichols (Amy Loeffeholz) of Independence; 14 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and sister: Mary Anne (Fred) Nielson of Hazleton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepdaughter: Dorothy Nichols; and brother: William Michels.

Memorial Service: 11:00 A.M. January 28, 2026, at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, Iowa.
Visitation: 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. January 28, 2026, at the funeral home.

Inurnment: Hazleton Fontana Cemetery, Hazleton.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com