1924- 2023

Marguerite Eleanor Michaelis was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1924, the fourth of eight children born to Alex and May (Baty) Selesky.

She passed away on Jan. 30 at home, following a long, fulfilling life and a brief illness.

After graduating from high school in Grayling, Michigan, she returned to Detroit and went to work at Detroit Arsenal Tank plant at the beginning of World War II, where she welded on Sherman Army tanks alongside her father. Later, she transferred over to Ford Motor Company to their Willow Run plant and became a ‘Rosie the Riveter.’ The Willow Run plant had the army contract for B-24 Liberator heavy bombers.

Later, Marge joined the Army and did her basic training at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa. Following basic training, she was stationed at Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, California. That is where she met Leroy Michaelis. On leaving Camp Stoneman, she rode the train to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, where she was honorably discharged.

Leroy had previously been discharged and met her in San Antonio. They married the following day at the Harris County Courthouse in Houston.

Marge worked for an insurance company in Houston and for Sealy Hospital before starting her family. Then she became a stay home mom, den mother, Girl Scout leader and Little League mom. She served on the PTA and also took the school census. She had the capacity to love.

In 1970, Marge and Leroy moved to Pecos, Texas where Leroy transferred with Duval Sulfur Corporation. They lived there until Leroy retired in 1983 and then returned to Sealy. Five of their children graduated from Pecos High School.

Marge made many friends in Pecos, who she remained in touch with over the years.

She volunteered at the church office until she ‘retired’ at 96. She also was a member of the “Friends of the Library’ for the Gordon Memorial Library. She loved to bake and cook. Many recipes were kept secret, but she shared the goodies!

Marge and Leroy enjoyed some travel, including two trips to Germany, many trips to Michigan. Also trips following children and grandchildren’s sporting events, graduations, birthdays, and weddings all over Texas. Marge also took several cruises and trips with brother Jim and sister Alice in later years. She treasured all her family time.

They were married 55 years when Leroy passed away. They both loved their country and were proud to serve. Marge could be seen at recent events saluting the flag.

Marge is preceded in death by her parents, sibling, brothersin- law, and sisters-inlaw, three nephews and three nieces. Also preceding her in death are husband, Leroy Sr, son, Thomas, and son-in-law John Klotz.

She is survived by children Michael (Robin), Patricia, Leroy Jr. (Sylvia), Gordon (Lupe), Charles (Virginia) and David (Myra), many grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to your favorite charity in Marge’s memory.

Knesek Funeral Home website for service times.