Roger Eugene Michels, 82, of New Port Richey, passed away May 7, 2018. Born in Chicago, IL to Oris and Lucille Michels, he attended Bangor High School before graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago in June 1956. Roger served in the United States Army in the Counter Intelligence Corporation and attended the U.S. Army Intelligence School in Ft. Hollibird, Maryland.
Roger moved to New Port Richey, Florida 40 years ago and since then has spent a great deal of time serving his community. He served on the Ordinance Review Board for the city of New Port Richey; in 1965, he established the New Port Richey Sertoma Club and served as their second President.
In 1977, he was a founding member of the Holiday Rotary Club and over the years has served as President, Secretary and as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Roger was past President of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, served as Chasco Fiesta Street parade chairman for many years, established the New Port Richey chapter of the March of Dimes where he served as Chairman for 15 years, established the first Salvation Army Thrift store on Grand Blvd and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Heart Association and the American Cancer Society as well as chaired fund raising for the Boy Scouts of America. He was past President of Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind. He also was chosen as King Chasco twice, years 1970 and 1980.
Roger was a member of many fraternal organizations including the Moose, the Elks, the Masons where he is a twice Past Master, and the New Port Richey Shrine Club, serving as Past Potentate of the Egypt Temple in Tampa.
He is a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. Roger enjoyed boating, fishing, bowling, golfing, and outside lawn work. He was a true pillar of this community and will be remembered fondly by those he served.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Robin; his daughters, Kylie Marie and Stephanie; his son, Timothy; his step-daughters, Kellie Burkey and Michelle Schneider; and seven grandchildren.
Visitation for Roger will be held on Thursday, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home. Masonic rites will be given during the evening visitation. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30am Friday at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church with entombment to follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held at Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home after services have concluded. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to one of the many organizations he supported.
Service
10:30 AM - 10:30 AM
St. James The Apostle Catholic Church - Directions
8400 Monarch Drive
Port Richey, FL 34668
Burial
12:00 PM
Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens - Directions
4244 Madison Street
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Visitation
2:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home - Directions
5228 Trouble Creek Road
New Port Richey, FL 34652
727-845-1957
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