Michael Noel

Through the life he lived each day, Michael Noel taught us so much about what it means to truly live. He never took one day for granted and seized every opportunity to share his heartfelt laughter with those around him. Michael was never one to worry much about gaining wealth or accumulating possessions, but instead focused himself on building relationships with those he treasured. Whether it was his tasty fish fries, his quest to stand up on a pair of waterskis, or his frequent practical jokes, it was impossible to be around him and not have the time of your life. Mike was always available, too, and was the sort of man who would give you the shirt off his back if it would help you in some way. Life will never be the same without him here, but the memories he leaves behind will never be forgotten.

It seems only fitting that Michael’s story begins during a time in our nation’s history that was as colorful as he was. The decade that is often referred to as the Nifty Fifties brought us shows like I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best while Elvis introduced us to the sounds of rock ‘n roll, forever transforming the cultural fabric of our nation. There were Barbie dolls, G.I. Joe figures, and cool cars that packed the drive-in theater every weekend. It was just as this decade began that a young couple from Vicksburg, Michigan, was eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child. Their wait was over on June 21st when a healthy baby boy drew his first breath. Michael Duane was the first of five children born to his parents, Jack and Joyce Noel. He was raised in the family home alongside his younger siblings, Jack William “Bill,” Carol Sue, John, and Sandra, and experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. Mike’s father worked for Simpson Paper Company, which later became Fox River, while his mother was a busy homemaker. He attended local schools and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1968.

Life was forever changed for Mike when he met and later married the woman with whom he would welcome two daughters into his heart and home. Her name was Judy A. Olney, and after falling in love they were married in March of 1972. Together they were blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Aimee, in 1977, and she was later followed by Andrea in 1986. When his girls were young Mike loved sharing his passion for fishing with them, showing them the ins and outs of the sport. He must have done a fairly good job, too, as they were even able to out-fish him at times. Always a proud father, Mike was a pretty good sport about it as well! Although their marriage later ended in divorce, Michael and Judy remained in touch and were so grateful to one another for the two beautiful girls they shared.

Throughout his career Mike was one to work hard. His earliest years found him at ThriftWay in Vicksburg where he remained for many years. From there he worked for Spring Tools until he was invited to be part of a new company, X-L Machine Company. Mike worked as a machinist there until he retired later in life.

All who knew Mike would agree that when he was around, life was anything but ordinary. He loved sharing his passion for fishing with many others in addition to his daughters, but he had a way of making it so lively. On one occasion he was cleaning fish with Aimee, his nephew, James, and Missy, and in his fun-loving way Uncle Mike threw fish guts on his nephew’s bare legs. Needless to say, James jumped and hollered and has never cleaned fish again since! Every year on Aimee’s birthday Mike held a fish fry and invited the whole family for his fish and fried potatoes that rivaled those of some of the best restaurants in town. He also hosted several bass fishing tournaments and went on several fishing trips to Canada.

Another one of Mike’s great loves centered on his appreciation for music, especially that of the Fiddlin’ Roger Osborne Band. He frequently allowed the band to practice in his back garage and was a regular attendee of their performances. Mike was beyond ecstatic when they invited him to sing with their group. In addition he enjoyed golf, bowling, and watching movies. Mike had an extensive movie collection that included movies from various genres that he was more than willing to let others borrow.

There was nothing that was ever more important to Mike than his friends and loved ones. He cherished the time he spent with his daughters, and he also loved having fun with his “adopted grandchildren.” There were unforgettable family gatherings during the summer parties at Selkirk Lake and the crazy the sight of Mike trying to waterski on one occasion. Fun family times were also shared during the spectacular Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks that were shot off at the Ross summer cottage.

When Mike was around it was not uncommon to laugh so hard that you had tears streaming down your face, especially when he and his siblings got things going. He loved to laugh - and he loved to make those around him laugh, too. One of the things that made Mike so extraordinary was that his sensitivity perfectly balanced his fun-loving, always joking side. It has been said that he had a huge heart for everyone and was the most generous man around. Michael was always there to lend a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a helping hand in ways both great and small. Even if a friend or loved one just needed to chill out for awhile in his bar, that was just fine with Mike.

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Michael Noel was a true blessing in the lives of so many within his reach. He was a jokester who was also full of timeless wisdom as he loved to say, “It’s not how you do it, it’s exactly how you do it!” Mike was a devoted father and a genuine friend whose spirit of generosity reached countless others. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.