Max Eugene Michel , 81, of rural South Whitley, died peacefully at his home at 3:55 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Born March 10, 1943, at Luckey Hospital in Wolf Lake, Indiana, he was a son of the late Gerald P. and Alma (Coble) Michel.  Growing up on a farm in Cleveland Twp., Whitley County, he completed South Whitley Elementary School and graduated from South Whitley City High School in 1961.  He continued his education at the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis until a medical condition prevented his completion.

Returning to the area, he became a full-time farmer and dairy farmer with over 160 cows.  At age 30, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.  He continued his farming operation eventually with the assistance of his son, Brian, and grandson, Gerald.

Max took great pride in his farm and property keeping it neat and orderly.  He enjoyed landscaping around his home, especially placing "pretty" boulders.  A John Deere fan, he kept an antique JD tractor prominently displayed at his farm home.  He enjoyed his alone time operating a tractor or combine.

As his medical condition slowed his mobility, he enjoyed time with his grandkids and followed IU Basketball.  Always watchful of his farm, he would run the square daily to check the crops and keep close tabs on his property.

He is survived by his son, Brian (Missy) Michel of South Whitley, and a daughter, Robin (Ryan) Johnson of Roanoke; grandchildren, Gerald "Jake" (Chelsea) Michel, Tanner (Rena) Johnson, Tayler (Corinna) Johnson and Tori (David) Grover, eight great-grandkids and a brother, Steve Michel of South Whitley.

The funeral service is at 2 p.m. Friday (Jan 24th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Park Annex Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the service Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Max's honor are to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.