Donald Michel

Dedicated to a life of service, Donald Lee Michel was much more than a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and community member. Don was born in Toledo in 1934 to Shefik and Rumza Michel. Many of his Libby High School and church acquaintances became lifelong friends and companions. In 1953 he joined the Air Force and served our country during the Korean War with many of his childhood friends including, Rich Ansara, Ron Mickel, John Bassett, Mike Prephan, Ron Barrow, Frank Haney, Dick Skaff, George Joseph and Jamie Farr. Upon his return to civilian life in Toledo, in 1957, he met and married Venice Abraham in 1961. Don graduated with a degree in Business from the University of Toledo in 1962 and earned a law degree from the Cleveland State University in 1970, while working at Ford Motor Company in management. He later opened McDonald’s franchises with his two brothers-in-law in 1970, which he owned and operated over the next 30 years. In 1990, Don and Venice, started and owned the classic rock station WXKR. In 1980, he worked with other McDonald’s operators and The Toledo Hospital to build and open the first Ronald McDonald House in Toledo. He served as Board President and Vice President for 10 years. Throughout his life, Don was a modest and generous donor to the Toledo Opera, Symphony, Zoo, Museum of Art, Ronald McDonald House and others. In 1983, he helped launch the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic Golf Tournament, served on the board for 15 years and was chairman of the tournament in 1992. During the tournament, Don and Venice hosted Jamie Farr and many of the celebrities at the Beirut Restaurant. Don loved to golf and played many of the top 50 golf courses as well as in Scotland. He played Augusta National and Pebble Beach but his all-time favorite was the local course, Belmont Country Club, where he played with all his friends. Although, Don was the recipient of many awards, he was most humbled in 2010 when he received the Bert Silverman Award from the Toledo District Golf Association. A dream was realized when Don conducted the Star Spangle Banner at the Stranahan Theater and did such a great job, Sam Szoar, invited Don to conduct again at the Toledo Zoo. After retirement in 1998, Don and Venice moved to Naples Florida where they remained for the next 14 years. However, by 2012 they followed their heart and returned to the Toledo area. Don is survived by his wife, Venice, of 56 years, his sister Connie Hanna of Arlington, VA, three children, Brooke Yussim (Herbert) of Bandon, Oregon, Robert Michel (Mary Ann) of Perrysburg, OH and Renee Michel of Long Beach, NY. He loved being a grandfather and will be dearly missed by McKenzie, Allie and Bennett Michel. Don loved Toledo, supported Toledo and Toledo loved him. Visitation is from 2pm-8pm on Tuesday, October 3rd at the Witzler Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, OH (419-874-3133). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ronald McDonald House of NW Ohio, Hospice of NW Ohio - Perrysburg, the Maumee Public Library or the charity of your choice.