Jerome Alan “Mo” Michel was born June 13, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa, and died October18, 2019 in Denver of complications from Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. During Mo’s childhood his family lived in Houston and Milwaukee before settling in Atlanta where Mo attended high school and received his Bachelor’s in Science from Georgia Tech. After graduation he was commissioned into the Air Force.
On June 12, 1960 he married Lucy and they began their life adventures. During Mo’s twenty years in the Air Force, they were stationed in Colorado, Illinois, Texas and Pennsylvania. While in the Air Force, Mo earned a Master’s in Applied Mathematics from Colorado University and his Doctorate in Computer Science from Penn State University. Mo retired as a Lt. Colonel and began a seventeen- year career with Hughes Aircraft Corporation in Aurora, Colorado.
Lucy and Mo had three daughters, Ruth, Hannah and Deborah, with whom they enjoyed traveling, skiing, backpacking and other outdoor activities. Mo often remarked that he did not just enjoy athletic endeavors he was obsessed with them. He completed many marathons, 50 Mile Trail Runs, and the Leadville Trail 100. Long distance bicycling was another passion that he and Lucy shared. Lucy and Mo enjoyed traveling. They visited all 50 states and about 20 countries, with the highlight being a two-week trek in Nepal.
Mo was very generous with his time and volunteered with many organizations over the years. He was always willing to help anyone with anything. He told many people he was proudest of his time on the faculty of the Air Force Academy, completing the Leadville run and marrying Lucy-though not necessarily in that order.
Mo is survived by his wife, Lucy, his daughters Ruth (Mark) Welch, Hannah (Ignatius) Valmont and Deborah (Duane) Check. His grandchildren Benjamin and Rachel Welch, Anique and Adrien Valmont, Lucy and Luke Check plus seven great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister Diane (Bob) Wege, two sisters-in-law, Lida Heck and Lynn Greer plus several cousins and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mo’s name may be made to the BakPak program at Light of the World Catholic Church, 10316 W. Bowles Ave. Littleton, CO 80127, to help provide weekend food to needy children. OR, to Denver Audubon, 9308 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Littleton, CO 80128, to support school programs.
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10316 West Bowles Avenue
Littleton, CO 80127
Reception immediately following the Mass in Lux Mundi Hall.
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
