Roma Michels

Roma Michels, age 76 of Osakis passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 2, 2020 at the Centra Care Hospital in Sauk Centre, MN.

Roma was born on June 26, 1944 to John and Delores Kortuem in Eagle Bend, MN. She attended and graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1962 and married her sweetheart, Arthur Michels on June 19, 1962.  They lived in Eagle Bend, rural Douglas County and Grey Eagle before settling in Osakis.  In addition to raising their six children, Roma also worked in the poultry business for many years.  She was involved in many aspects of the business.  She set up barns for the new chicks and cared for all their needs right up to processing.  She was a hard and reliable worker.  Roma also enjoyed taking care of special needs children for a few years and after that voluntarily took care of her elderly neighbors. Never one to be idle, she also took on mowing public accesses during the summer months as a way to enjoy the sunshine.

Roma’s knowledge and love of birds even carried over into her private life.  She loved to raise cockatiels and enjoyed the peacefulness of watching the birds at her outdoor feeders.  Other hobbies Roma had included researching family geneology, gardening and crocheting.  Having worked at Fingerhut in Sauk Centre as a seamstress for years (which gave her opportunity to have the scraps and miss-cut fabric pieces,) she would sew and quilt, making some of the warmest quilts. During the holidays, Roma was sure to make a family favorite, peanut butter fudge. She also loved making home made gifts, primarily various crocheted and tatted gifts.

Roma is survived by her husband, Art Michels of Osakis; children, Kevin Michels of St. Cloud, Dianne (Rocky) Karnes of Osakis, Jodi Tangen of St. Cloud, Scott and Todd Michels, both of Osakis; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; a sister, Joan (Roger) Motzko of Bloomington; many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, a son, Dean, son-in-law, Robert Tangen and siblings, Marge Leslie, Norma Styke, Loren and Kenneth Kortuem and Linda Proell.

A private graveside service is being held, but friends may leave condolences and memories on Roma’s Tribute page at www.royhetland.com.

Arrangements by Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.