On Thursday, November 19, 2020, Linda Marie Michel (nee: Sustachek) joined her daughter, Lisa, and her mother, Marilyn, in what we can only assume was a festive, heartfelt heavenly reunion.  Although those of us on earth were not ready for her to accept Lisa's invitation, Linda battled hard on this earth and surely welcomed the joys, comfort, and peace of Heaven.  Her husband of 46 years, James L. Michel, sat with her, prayed with her, and held her hand as she left this earth.  He will greatly miss his best friend and all of the disapproving glances he received on a minute-by-minute basis.  (Those of you who know him understand why.)

Linda was born on December 11, 1946.  Her parents, Calvin and Marilyn Sustachek adored their little girl.  Linda graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1965.  Her life work was dedicated to raising her perfect children, who never did anything wrong.  She also worked for the family business, Rasmussen Diamonds, and later worked for Century 21, as a real estate agent.  Linda was a non-participating member of a local quilting club.  Her contribution was in conversation and appreciation of the hard work done by real quilters.  She was truly a member of the Catholic Women's Club, and was honored to be a guest speaker for the group, on the subject of organ donation and the Donate Life organization.

Those not yet invited to this heavenly celebration include her husband Jim (Chico) Michel; her dad, Calvin Sustachek; her children, Denise of Los Angeles, CA, Joel (Christine) Michel, of Rochester, WI, Laura (Matthew) Hurtienne, of Racine, WI, and  Jamie (Shauna) Michel, of Brooklyn, NY; her grandchildren, Peter John Hannes IV (Lauren McKeown), Michael Hannes (Rachel Miller), Cecily Hurtienne, Emmit Hurtienne, Ellie Michel, and Abbie Michel; Brothers, Bill (Kathy) Sustachek, Bob (Libby) Sustachek; in-laws, and proof of a strong Catholic family, Jack (Pat) Michel, Dennis (Peggy) Michel, JoAnne Michel, Don (Doreen) Michel, Julie Michel, and Mary Michel, along with multitudes of beloved nieces and nephews.

Linda was surely welcomed into heaven by her beloved grandma, Cecilia Aseltine, mom, Marilyn Sustachek; infant brother, Reid; daughter, Lisa (Michel) Hannes; Mother-in-law, Lorraine Michel; and Father-in-law, Leo Michel.  Linda clearly did her own cooking and decorating for this party, with a little help from Lorraine, as the others were better off participating in a similar fashion that Linda participated in the quilting club.  We expect Lisa laid out some ground rules when Linda arrived, to prepare her for her newfound awareness of the things her children have done, and continue to do…. all in perfection, of course.  Although she's left a great void for all of her loved ones, we know it will be filled by the example she provided in the way she lived her life.

Service Details

Linda M. Michel, 73, passed away in Ascension-All Saints on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., on Tuesday, November 24 ^th , at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Thomas Vathappallil officiating. Visitation will be held in the church from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. The Mass will be live streamed, starting at 6:30 p.m. Due to the church requirements masks and social distancing will be enforced.

Live Streaming Link https://youtu.be/QKwIFmOwP0o

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the West Racine Kiwanis Foundation, care of Barb Walker, 1141 N. Sunnyslope Dr. #204 Mt. Pleasant, WI, 53406, St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3191 Drexel Ave. Racine, WI 53403, or Donate Life WIsconsin P.O. Box 1095 Madison, WI 53701.