Theodore "Ted" Michel

Theodore “Ted” Michel Jr., Emmett, Idaho, gracefully transitioned on July 2, 2025 and is now at peace with the Lord.  He formerly resided in Lake Isabella, California and Heppner, Oregon. 

He was born in New Brunswick, NJ., on October 23, 1927, to Theodore and Martha Michel. He settled in Lake Isabella, CA where he raised his family. Ted was crippled in his right leg, since the age of two years old, by Polio, which never stopped him from doing absolutely anything in life. His great love of planes and flying came true to life when he was only 19 years of age when he took his solo flight in a Piper Cub at West Field Airport New Jersey. Even though physicians discouraged him, he was not willing to give up his dream. He only had slight strength in his right leg, so he made a metal clip which held it to the rudder pedal and off he was living a dream come true. He went on to work and he built planes in his earlier years.  His love of aviation stayed with him his entire life, which leads to him working at General Electric for many years. He worked on President Eisenhower's helicopters and parts for Apollo 11 to name a few. There are so many newspaper articles and pictures which he treasured and had so much pride in these accomplishments. He also had a great love and talent for Carpentry. Later in life he was self-employed and built many specks homes with son Donald and was always working with wood and never missed a chance to fish and have just a little “Nip.”

Ted was fierce and the most diligent man, always providing for his family. The man with a "disability", they called it, never stopped him and he did more than most in a lifetime and we are extremely proud of his life.

Ted (Teddy) had a wonderful dry sense of humor and touched so many lives and was so loved by many. He needed full care the last several years of life and his care team was just a beautiful family to him “Teddy’s Girls” which brought him true joy. Their favorite quote was “waitress! Coffee, 2 cream, 2 sugars” which we will all remember so loving and remember how funny he was.

Ted is preceded in passing by his wife, Lillian Michel; daughter, Pauline Plasencia and many beloved family members.

Among the many who hope to be reunited with him are his; four children, Donald Michel, Edward Michel, Karen Lownes, Marion Vansickle; one daughter-in-law Jada Michel; nieces and nephews; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Ted's family has kindly requested that there be no flowers sent and that charitable contributions in Ted's honor can be made to Able Flight.  

Website:  https://ableflight.org/

Mail:  Able Flight

          91 Oak Leaf Lane

          Chapel Hill, NC 27516

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