Joene Sue Michel

Family was a big part of Joene’s life, especially the ones that called her “Nana.” At the age of 80, Joene Sue Michel passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the Wilton Iowa Retirement Home. A Funeral Mass will be held 1pm Saturday, September 16, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Preston. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Preston. Visitation will be prior to the Mass from 11am – 1pm at the Church.

Joene was born January 26, 1943 in Maquoketa, the daughter of Leon and Ruth (Beck) Specht. She grew up outside of Maquoketa graduating in 1960 from Maquoketa High School. After high school, while attending a dance, Joene met her true partner, and love of her life, Floyd Michel. They were married October 10, 1964 in Delmar. Joene and Floyd danced together and celebrated almost 40 years of marriage until Floyd passed in 2004. She then devoted all her attention to her grandkids.

While raising their three sons, Brian, Kevin and Darin, tragedy struck, as Kevin was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 4. Joene immediately went into action to provide Kevin with several years of special care before he passed at the age of 9. Under the guidance of Joene, the family made it through. She was an inspiration to her family.

Joene was a hard worker, but the most fun work she ever performed, was being a Telephone Operator in the party-line and switchboard days. She was good at it too, Joene loved to talk. She also worked as a Cook at East Central Schools, Nielsen Clearing House in Clinton, and Car Freshener of Dewitt. After retiring in 2005, Joene enjoyed attending the old telephone company gang luncheons.

When loved-ones think of Joene, they are going to think of her thoughtfulness for others, her sense of humor, her loving care for so many, and mostly her smile as she would gather her family around at the Holidays. It was nothing for her to cook a turkey, a roast and a ham for one meal, as different family members had favorites. She would make each grandkid’s Christmas special by giving each their own tub of cookies and other treats. Being Nana made her life complete, and every moment was special.

Joene will be dearly missed by two sons, Brian (Delana) Michel of Buffalo, Iowa and Darin (Kathleen) Michel of Huntley, Illinois; four grandchildren, Jordan Michel, Justin (Minerva) Michel, Riley (Kaitlin) Michel and Brady Michel; two great grandchildren, Aaliyah Michel and Jayden Michel; and six siblings, Carmin Blake, Lowell Specht, Twyla “Twy” (Ken) Dinger, Lwyla “Lou” Schneider, Noella (Dee) Soenksen Noel “Butch” (DeeDee) Specht; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Joene is preceded in death by her husband Floyd; her son, Kevin; both parents; and two brothers-in-law, John Blake and Dave Schneider.