Frances L. Michels, lovingly known as “Sis,” age 100, passed away on September 27, 2026, at Evercare of Breese. She was born on November 20, 1925, in Bartelso to the late Bernard “Ben” and Elizabeth (nee Becker) Gebke.
On January 14, 1948, she married Arnold “Arnie” Michels at St. Cecilia Church, he passed away on March 16, 1996.
Frances will be remembered for the simple joys that brought warmth to her days and to the lives of those around her. She worked in housekeeping at Breese Nursing Home and Clinton Manor, and throughout her life she found happiness in the things she loved most: playing bingo, doing word search puzzles, playing cards, spending time with family, and decorating for Christmas. She also enjoyed relaxing with a cold beer with ice, a small pleasure that those who knew her well will remember with a smile.
She is survived by her sons, Jim Michels of Auburn, Illinois, and John (Dianne) Michels, of Germantown; grandchildren, Sydney Kahl, Erica (David Evanich) Michels, Sarah Pingsterhaus, and Adam (Ashley) Michels; great-grandchildren, Ariana Schultz, Emma and Nolan Pingsterhaus, Charlotte Michels, and Lincoln Holten; sisters, Margie Jansen of Bartelso and Blanche Kohrmann of Bartelso; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; her daughter-in-law, Janette Michels; grandson-in-law, Jeff Pingsterhaus; siblings, Cornelius (Helen) Gebke, Norbert (Clara) Gebke, Betty (Alphonse) Eversgerd, Larry (Bernice) Gebke, Cleo (Greg) Eversgerd, Pat (Joe) Haake, Junior (Rita) Gebke, Rosemary (Stanley) Goewert, Dolores (Ted) Kohnen, Aggie (Tony) Benhoff and Tommy Gebke (in infancy); and in-laws, Paul Jansen, Robert Kohrmann, Ray (Loretta) Michels, Clarence (Fanita) Michels, Robert Michels and Rosemary Michels.
Frances lived a long life marked by work, family, laughter, and the comfort of familiar traditions. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., at St. Boniface Church in Germantown. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Thomas Lugge presiding. Interment will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Boniface Church and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, which is serving the family.