Obituary of Doris Michler

Doris L. Michler, 91, died Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Villa Pines in Friendship, WI where she had lived since April 2006. Prior to that, she had resided in Wisconsin Rapids, Waupaca, Stevens Point, Northland and Appleton. The first child of the late Emma and Friederich Reichel, she was born at home on September 9, 1920, as were her 4 siblings. She graduated Appleton High School in 1937. During WWII, she worked at Zwicker Knitting Mills making hats and gloves for the military. Doris did alterations at several exclusive dress shops in Appleton and worked for Singer. Doris married Raymond R. Michler on February 19, 1951. They resided in Appleton for 25 years where they raised 5 children. Raymond died January 30, 1988 in Port Edwards. Doris was an active artist working in many media. She was well known in the Appleton area and was a charter member of the Fox Valley Spinning Guild and the Appleton Gallery of Arts. An accomplished pianist, she had a great love of Chopin, an extensive interest in Classical and Jazz music; playing mostly for her own enjoyment. When her children were young, she?d put them to bed and then sit down to play the piano. Many is the night they would fall asleep to her playing Chopin Nocturnes and other favorites. Doris is survived by her children, James Ray (Angela) Michler, Ashland, J. Marsha (Gil Harris) Michler, Limerick, ME, Sarajane (Clark) Snyder, Nekoosa and Paul John Michler, Black Earth; grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann (Darell) Hainline, Nekoosa, Rebecca M. (Hans) Rodenbeck, Nekoosa, Benjamin (Abbey) Michler, Raleigh, NC, Jonathan DeWayne Michler, Black Earth and Rachel Marie Michler, Ashland; great-grandchildren, Reuben James Rodenbeck, Nekoosa, Maximillian Richard Hainline, Nekoosa and Michael Edward Michler, Raleigh, NC; brothers, Earl (Elnor) Reichel, Madison and Lester (Helen) Reichel, Appleton; sister, Elda O?Connell, Shakopee, MN; and many extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her son, Richard Jay Michler (1983) and brother, Wayne Michler (2001). Services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 1 at First Congregational Church UCC in Wisconsin Rapids. Reverend Paul Veldman will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of services on Friday at the church. Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family who will be setting up a memorial at a later date.