Dean Francis Michels, 87, of New Haven, Iowa, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, at his home in New Haven.

Dean was born June 5, 1928, in New Haven, Iowa, the son of Herbert and Verona (Fox) Michels. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in New Haven in 1946. Dean served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On Jan. 8, 1955, he married Darlene Peterson at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota. They made their home in New Haven where they were poultry farmers. Dean also worked as the groundskeeper and custodian for St. Peter’s Church and Cemetery. Dean was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Osage American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and spending time with his family.

Dean is survived by his wife, Darlene Michels of New Haven; his 11 children: Jeanne (Jay) Visser of Hull, Jim (Stephanie) Michels of Springfield, Missouri, Mike (Grace) Michels of Des Moines, Karen (Bob) Kasel of Osage, Barb (Lee) Kazma of Des Moines, Nancy (Nick) Dreliozis of Muskegon, Michigan, Lori (Dan) Huntley of Dallas, Texas, Steve Michels of Paris, Tennessee, Julie (Ray) Avila of New Haven, Rick Michels of Dallas, Texas, and Paul (Jane) Michels of Marianna, Florida; 21 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother, Kenneth (Irene) Michels of Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Gary Michels; and brother, Russell Michels.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Haven with the Rev. Steve Garner officiating. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with a Rosary at 4:45 p.m. Inurnment will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Haven with military honors at the grave by Osage American Legion Post 278. Information is available and condolences are accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com. Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.