George Mickel

Richard “George” Mickel age 90, of Grand Rapids passed away Sunday July 23, 2017 surrounded by his family.  George was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 25, 1926 to the late Rev. Fr. John & Anna Mickel.  He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Virginia Salhaney, great niece Michelle (Jesse) Holman and their children Leland and Arabelle, special friends Tim (Mary) Elliott and John Platte.  George is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by brothers Paul, Donald, Robert, Edward and one sister Elizabeth Hanna.  George began at an early age on a path of volunteering and helping others.  He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and went on to a successful career with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.  After his retirement, he continued his love of serving and helping others.  He joined the Grand Rapids and Lowell Police Departments as a senior volunteer; became an active member of numerous boards including, the Boys and Girls Club and began his philanthropic work with the Van Andel Institute and an active member of the Institute’s Board of Governors.  George was also a longtime member of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church where he served in many volunteer positions over the course of his lifetime.  He served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years as well as Chairman of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest Department of Christian Education for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.  George loved his family and his church dearly.  The funeral service will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday August 1st at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2250 E. Paris Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Visitation will also be at the church on Monday July 31st from 5-8pm with a Trisagion Service at 7:30pm.  Interment will be at Graceland Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids or to St. Nicholas Church.    

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