Myron Mathias Michels
Myron Mathias Michels passed away on August 14, 2021 at Pete Moore Hospice House in Eugene, Oregon.
Myron was born on November 11, 1946 in Cando, North Dakota to parents Mathias (Math) Michels and Hilda (Berg) Michels. His parents leased a farm in Calio, North Dakota and Myron had many adventures on the farm while a young boy.
The family sold their farm possessions in 1953 and moved to Egeland, North Dakota and then later to Devils Lake, ND.
In the winter of 1957 the family moved to Montana. Myron attended schools in Deer Lodge and Anaconda.
In November 1963 Myron joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for basic training and his MOS training in weather balloons. He was then stationed in Okinawa, Japan and the island of Shemya in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska and then Great Falls, Montana before being released in November 1969.
Myron lived in Cle Elm, Washington where he worked on a ranch and for the weather service.
He later moved to Glendive, Montana and enrolled at Dawson Community College earning a degree in Criminology in 1973. While at Dawson he participated each year in the local rodeo competition riding broncos.
After getting his degree Myron moved to Nome, Alaska where he went to work in the construction trade. While in Nome Myron met Betty Ann Hoogendorn. They married on June 21, 1974 and raised three daughters, Lynn, Tina and Amanda (Mandy). After several years of marriage he and Betty Ann eventually divorced.
Myron also worked for the Nome Police Dept. for about a year. He then went to work for the Department of Corrections in Nome working his way through the system and eventually becoming the Superintendent (Warden) of the Department of Corrections. Myron received many awards for his work with the department including an award from the governor for getting the jail an accredited certification. In November 1996 he retired after 20 years with the Dept. of Corrections.
Myron loved to hunt, fish, ride his horses and spend time in the mountains. He also enjoyed playing baseball on the Outsiders ball team.
In April of 1999 Myron married Carol Madsen in Las Vegas, Nevada. He and Carol moved to Elkton, Oregon where he had purchased 38 acres several years before he retired with plans to start a vineyard. They eventually built a new home in Elkton on the hillside with a gorgeous view of the valley and mountains and their vineyard.
Myron is survived by his wife, Carol, daughters Lynn Fricke of Minnesota, Tina (Brian) Hanson of Florida and Mandy (Aaron) Burmeister of Alaska; stepsons Don Madsen of Idaho and Wayne (Klaudia) Madsen of California, 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Myron is also survived by sisters Linda (Art) Huot of Anaconda, Carlene Hoveskeland of Fairbanks and Karen (Marty) Brace of Oregon and brothers Terry Michels of Nome, Kevin (Jennie) Michels and Keith (Marta) Michels both of Anaconda and several nieces and nephews.
Myron was preceded in death by his parents, brother Daniel (Danny), and stepdaughter, Candie Madsen.
A celebration of life is planned for June 25, 2022 in Anaconda, Montana.