Thomas John Michels passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in his home surrounded by family and under the care of HIA Hospice.

Tom was born in Jackson, Mississippi on March 30, 1944, to Mamie and Elmer Michels. He was the oldest of 8 children and was raised in Bisbee, ND. Tom graduated from Bisbee High School in 1962 where he played football, basketball and participated in FFA, and was president of the student council. He joined the US Army in July 1962 and served through July 1965. He did his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He served with the 293rd Engineer Battalion where he was stationed at Ft. Cambell, KY and Baumholder, Germany. He worked as a soil technician, testing rock, asphalt, and concrete to ensure it could hold the equipment.

After leaving the Army, Tom worked for Northwest Airlines (Delta) for 40 years as part of the ground crew. He also served as the union representative for many years. He married Jolinda Camrud on September 21, 1974. They settled in Moorhead, MN where they raised 4 children. Tom was very proud and loved watching his children participate in many different Moorhead sports. Tom's greatest joy was helping raise his 5 grandchildren and watching them in their different activities.

After his retirement, Tom drove school bus for Richards Transportation for 12 years. He also continued his love of Spuds sports by working a variety of games for many years. Tom & Jolinda enjoyed many years of travel together with trips to Australia and Italy as two of their favorites. The last three years they enjoyed wintering in Surprise, AZ, meeting new friends and spending time with their daughter, son-in-law & granddaughter. Tom recently became a great grandpa in July 2025, a role he relished. He had the privilege of going on the Honor Flight in October 2022, with three of his children. Tom was a member of the Moorhead American Legion and AMVETS. He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead.

Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years Jolinda (Camrud) Michels. His 4 children, Angie (Matt) Christensen, Allison (Travis) Smith, Scott Michels, and Ednah (Frank) Straka. His 4 grandchildren Emma Cullen (Fiancé Scott Craig), Kya & Kallie Smith, & Madeline Straka. His great-grandson Beckett Cullen-Craig. His brothers Danny (Linda) Michels, Alan Michels, sister-in-law Debbie Michels, brother-in-law Mark (Marsha) Camrud and sister-in-law, Ann (Camrud) Larr along with many nieces & nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Mamie & Elmer Michels, siblings Billy, Ron, Patty, and baby boy Michels, and Peggy Blake. His mother & father-in-law, Ivan & Juanada Camrud and brother-in-law Gael Larr. His grandson Owen Cullen.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moorhead Legion Post #21, Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN, HIA Hospice, or Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5-6:30 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Visitation will continue Friday, January 16, at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Service with Livestream at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Final resting place will be in the columbarium at Fargo National Cemetery, Fargo, ND.