June 30, 1932 - July 3, 2009

Richard Louis Michele, 77, of Eugene died Friday of multiple brain attacks.

He was born in Anselmo, Neb., to George and Margaret Thorn Michele. When he was an infant, his family moved to Albany, the place he always called home. He attended St. Mary's grade school, Albany Union High School and the University of Oregon. He so enjoyed his many cousins, brothers and sisters in his youth, growing up in Albany.

He was in the Navy from 1951 to 1955, where he served on the USS Essex. Upon returning home, he married a local Albany girl, Patricia Koeppel, in 1955. They had two children, Melinda Diane Mayland of Carmel Valley, Calif., and Christopher James Michele of San Jose, Calif. They divorced in 1970.

On June 21, 1972, he married Joyce Milam in Reno, Nev. They were truly companions in all parts of their lives. He used to say, "She embraced my children and I embraced her God," for he became one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

He loved the ministry, truly felt that it was his career, yet he was professionally employed in credit management until 1995. They lived in Eugene, the Monterey Bay area in California, and Central Oregon during their married life.

In 1995 he experienced his first brain attack, yet continued to show much courage throughout the rest of his life.

Lou is survived by his wife; children; granddaughters Melany and Danielle; son-in-law Allan; brothers Robert Michele of Austin, Texas, and Wayne Michele of Beaverton; sisters Carol Iverson of Gates and Nadine Wood of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his brother George Michele Jr.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Allann Bros. Coffee, 1852 Fescue St. S.E. His family requests that guests record and bring a childhood memory for Lou's children to have of their father.

Alpha Cremation in Springfield is handling arrangements.