Robert G. Michaels

Robert Michaels of La Crosse, WI passed away at Serenity House in Tomah, WI on October 4. Bob was 77; he was born April 20,1947, to Glen and Mabel Michaels of Berlin, WI. He married Patricia McCutchin in 1974; the couple divorced in 1986.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Michaels (1983); his father, Glen Michaels (1999); brother, Gordon Michaels (2007); brother, James Michaels (2011); sister, Jean Bell-Kiesau (2019); and nephew, Mark Michaels (2018). Bob is survived by two sisters-in-law – Bonnie (James) Michaels and Jean (Gordon) Michaels – and two nieces and four nephews and their families - Marci (Darren Thomas) Michaels, Steve (Deb) Michaels, Jason (Lisa) Bell, Brian (Lori) Michaels, Michael (Melissa) Bell, and Krista Bell.

After graduating from Berlin High School, Bob attended Oshkosh State University majoring in science and earning his teacher certification. He taught first in Green Lake, WI and then in Algonquin, Illinois before returning to Wisconsin and working for Sandoz Pharmaceutical Company. After contracting AIDS, he was unable to work. He spent many years learning about his disease, doing innumerable odd jobs to help others, and traveling – even teaching English as a second language in Thailand. He visited and made friends on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. He encouraged everyone to travel and believed Mark Twain’s quote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrowmindedness,…”

Those who knew Bob would probably call him a “colorful” person. He referred to himself as the family heretic, and his favorite bumper sticker read “Screw Guilt.” Bob experienced many bumps and bruises in life. He wrestled with major challenges – an unsuccessful marriage, alcoholism, and AIDS. Regardless, he deeply loved family and friends, his “wingman,” and science. Rest in peace, Bob. We love you!

A note of deep gratitude to all who visited and/or assisted Bob as his health declined. A special thank you to Deb Michaels who daily visited and/or called Bob and his care team to follow developments and to offer assistance.

A visitation is planned for Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 1 until 4 p.m., at Old Towne Inn Supper Club (100 E. Old Town Road), Westby, WI. Any memorial gifts will be placed in the Robert G. Michaels Educational Foundation, which Bob established in 1995.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory in Westby is serving Bob’s family.

708 S Main Street

Westby, WI 54667

608-634-2100