Reverend John P. Michel

“His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:23

Reverend John Paul Michel, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at his home in Ankeny, Iowa.

John Paul Michel was born to Raymond and Lydia (Hecht) Michel at the Faribault hospital in Faribault, MN on November 1, 1934, and grew up on a farm with his two sisters, Shirley and Phyllis. John attended a one room country school for many years and graduated from Faribault High School in 1952. He went on to graduate from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL.

He married Marilyn Jean Haugen on August 11, 1956 and their only son, Daniel Paul Michel, was born on August, 1957 in Austin, MN.

In the fall of 1957, the family moved to Mankato, MN where John and seven charter members organized Grace Baptist Church. He served faithfully as senior pastor until 2004, then continued to serve as pastor emeritus. In 1961, John and Marilyn started a gospel telecast called “I Believe in Miracles,” which aired weekly on KEYC-TV for 54 years. John and Marilyn were both talented musicians and used this talent for God’s glory for the entire 67 years of their marriage.

John received God’s gracious gift of salvation at the age of 7 in a tent revival in Faribault, MN. He went on to minister to countless people over the course of his life. John and Marilyn traveled throughout Europe, South America, and Israel helping and encouraging many missionaries.

In 2019, he and Marilyn moved to Ankeny, IA to be near their family. He enjoyed his later years in Iowa, attending the sporting activities of his great grandchildren, attending Community Baptist church, enjoying the company of peers and friends at the Albaugh Community Center, and celebrating many milestone celebrations with his family. Marilyn passed away in early 2024.

John’s health took a sudden down-turn in February and he passed away soon after, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his son, Dan (Terri) Michel, four grandchildren: Keri Michel, Kami Brandt, Nicole (Nathan) Beaird, and Matthew (Lisa) Michel and 9 great grandchildren: Lucas, Gracyn, Piper, Jet, Cali, Kort, Miley, Nova, and Krew.

On March 19, 2025, a public burial will be held at the Minneopa Cemetery in Mankato, MN at 10:30 a.m. There will be a memorial service starting at 2 p.m., at Grace Baptist Church, 600 Lind Street in Mankato, MN (live-streamed on YouTube @gbcmankato).

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church or Grace Christian School.