BROWNELL — Dennis Dale Michel, 64, died Nov. 22, 2012 at Ness County Hospital, Ness City, to join God’s Thanksgiving feast, after his long three year battle with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer. He was born June 3, 1948 in Great Bend, the son of Walter and Fern (Keatley) Michel. Dennis was a lifetime resident of Ness County and was proud of his heritage, coming from an 1867 century farm in Ness County.
He graduated from Bazine High School and went on to Wichita to attend The Kansas School of Barbering where he acquired his barber license. At the age of 19, due to the death of his father, he came back to Ness County to help his mother with the family farm. Dennis also worked as a Kansas state employee and retired after 20 years. On July 17, 1998, he married Janell Wendt in Great Bend. He enjoyed singing with his loving wife. He sang at the Kansas State Fair for six straight years.
He loved his classic cars and attended all the car shows that his health allowed. Dennis and his father-in-law, Bruce Wendt, had a unique relationship, and they attended many family reunions in California and other activities together. His love for his sons, grandchildren, and his wife kept him fighting when times got rough. He loved his two furry companions, Molly and Pepper.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Jeff Dean (Andrea), Ness City and Scott Dean (Gina), Kent, Ohio; a daughter, Amber Michel; one brother, Larry Michel (Donna), Bazine; two nieces, Genelda, Bazine and Lora, Colorado Springs, Colo. and seven grandchildren: Daylon, Jacob, Teagan, Cambrie, Tyler, Nick, and Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Bruce E. Wendt Sr. and his son, Bobby E. Dean.
Cremation has taken place and graveside memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on  Thursday, Nov. 29 at the Bazine Cemetery. Friends may come to Fitzgerald Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28  to sign the book. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Heartland Cancer Center, Great Bend, in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, .PO. Box 96, Ness City, KS 67560. Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Fitzgerald Funeral Home**
207 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Ness City, KS  67560
785-798-3243
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 25, 2012