Donald Gene Michel

Obituary

Donald "Don" Gene Michel

October 31, 1945- October 1, 2025

Donald "Don" Gene Michel, 79, passed away at his home in Worland, Wyoming, on October 1, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 31, 1945, in Worland, Wyoming, to Edward and Helen (Spadt) Michel. Don grew up working on his parents' farm and graduated from Worland High School in 1964. Following graduation, he moved to Fargo, North Dakota, where he earned a degree from Hanson Mechanical Trade School. It was there that he met the love of his life, Delene "Del" Mattson. Because they were not yet of legal age to marry, Don returned to Worland and worked on his father's farm for a few months before traveling to Moorhead, Minnesota, to wed Del on November 12, 1966—just days after they were old enough to do so. Together they shared nearly 59 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children, Dennis, David and Deanne.

Don began his career as an over-the-road trucker and owner-operator but soon realized that life on the road kept him from the joy of watching his children grow. He returned to Worland and devoted himself to farming, which became his lifelong passion. He loved working the land and was especially proud of his vegetable garden, always saying, "If you can't eat it, why grow it?" He also enjoyed restoring old Ford cars and was fortunate to own several throughout his life.

Holidays often found Don in the kitchen baking fruit pies, perfecting his crust recipe with each passing year. After retiring, he embraced the simple pleasures—going on adventures with Del, visiting casinos, and savoring every moment by her side. As long as they were together, nothing else mattered.

Though he faced many trials, including breaking both of his legs, Don endured his hardships with remarkable strength and humor. He never complained, always choosing to lighten the moment with a joke. His good spirits and perseverance left a lasting example for his family. Faith guided him throughout his life, and in his final days, he shared with Del that he had a true "come to Jesus" moment—telling God the pain was too much and that he was ready to come home.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dennis; and his brother, Jerry Michel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Del of Worland; son, David "Dave" (Angela) Michel of Worland; daughter, Deanne Michel (Justin Golden) of Gillette, Wyoming; sisters, Judy (Jack) Strauch of Worland and Nancy Myers of Stillwater, Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Carol Michel of Billings, Montana, and Lynn Carow of Bartlett, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Doug Mattson of Worland; grandchildren, Jay (Ali) Michel, Devon (Cassidy) Michel, Brady Michel, Garrett Michel, Cameron Michel, and Jonathan Sanderson; and great-grandchildren, Audree, Krew, Alyson, Ryatt, and Ellie.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Zion's Church with Rev. James Byers officiating. Online condolences may be shared at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.