Robert Michel

Robert “Rod” Michel of Franklin, NH passed away on 9/28/24 following a brief illness. Rod was born in Franklin, NH on 3/21/1949 to George and Dolly (Woods) Michel. He spent most of his childhood in Franklin and attended public grades and high school there. In March of 1968 he enlisted in the US Navy. His active duty was spent on the LST USS Windham County in Vietnam. Upon discharge he returned to Franklin where he met and married Sally, his wife of 53 years. Rod pursued his career as a machinist tool & die maker. He enjoyed working at small businesses tackling complex design jobs. He had a love of working with wood applying his skills to furniture making and remodeling projects. Many family members or friends were lucky enough to receive one of his personalized curio boxes.

Rod had an open and inquisitive mind. Watching hours of “How it was Made” was his idea of a good time. When Sally wanted to learn how to sail, he fully embraced the challenge which turned into a thirty-year love affair with ocean sailing, navigation and of course boat repairs. When she thought, they should learn to scuba dive he jumped in and fully committed to this new sport. He loved to fish, read thrillers and most recently started to learn to play the banjo because of his love for bluegrass music. He enjoyed a good joke but as his friends can attest to could never remember the punchline to tell one.

Above all, he loved his family and friends. He could always be counted on to be the first one there to lend a hand, provide advice or maybe just have a beer and listen.

He is survived by his wife Sally (Ames) Michel of Franklin, NH, his sisters Edna “Dutchy” Westerberg of Concord, NH; Suzanne (Michel) Marceau of Daytona Beach, Florida, Deborah Michel of Nashua, NH; brothers-in-law David Ames and wife Sherry of Franklin NH and Peter Ames of Lakeport, NH. He also has many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He is pre-deceased by his brother George (Mitch) Michel.

Calling Hours will be at the Smart Memorial Home in Tilton, NH on Monday October 7 from 4-6 pm.

Burial Services will be at the New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen, NH on Tuesday October 8 at 1 pm.

Rod was a recent survivor of Guillian-Barre Syndrome. In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to GBS/CIDP Foundation International @ gbs-cidp.org