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Denelda “Jo” Michaels

Published October 29,2015

Obituary's Biography:

Denelda “Jo” Michaels, 67, a resident of Ingleside, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2015, in Evanston, IL. She was born November 24, 1947 in Hammond, IN to Aven and Nellie Rudesill. Jo was an assistant manager of show operations at Great America for 20 years, a manager of Deerfield Bakery for 5 years, and a professional massage therapist. She was also a member of the Eastern Star in Libertyville and loved to play the piano. Jo is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ron, her son Troy Michaels, her grandchildren Alex and Alyssa Michaels, and her many cousins, aunts, and uncles. She was preceded in death by her parents. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2015 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium. A private family service will be held on Monday at Grant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

7 replies on “Denelda “Jo” Michaels”

  1. God bless all of you as you miss our smiling cheerleader. So many fond memories from the call she gave me in 1979 letting me know I was cast and needed to come in for an interview, to her having to pull me between shows in 1983 to let me know my grandmother had passed and all of the hugs, nose scrunches, words of encouragement and just her mojo. She will truly live on in my heart. For the immediate future, these are very sad days.
    Love,
    Katy Scheffler

  2. Ron, not sure you remember me but I was blessed to know Jo at Great America. We had so many fun times. She was one of a kind and will be missed. Our sympathies to you and your family.

  3. Jo was a very special lady when I worked with her at Six Flags Great America. She always had
    a smile on her face. She was a very good friend and I know that we will all miss her.

  4. Dear Ron,
    I was so sorry to hear about your Jo. I know I never had the opportunity to meet her but she seems to have been a very special person. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May the memories you have in your heart bring some comfort to you. My thoughts will be with your and your family. God be with you all.
    Laura King, VHHS

  5. Ron-
    Our deepest regrets at your loss. We are sorry that we can not attend however health issues are prohibiting taking the long drive. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Regards,
    Bob and Chizuco

  6. Jo was a FUN, always smiling Classmate at Morton High School in Hessville, IN. Those were our ‘wonder years’ and she seemed to make the best of them. Her flaming red hair made her a lovely standout in our Class of 1965. With out last names not that far apart alphabetically, she had to pass my locker on the 3rd floor several times a day for at least 4 years saw I saw her a bunch.

    Two years ago I had a very long phone conversation with Jo when I found her online to share our 50th Class Reunion information for 2015. She was a joy to talk with and it felt just like yesterday since I had seen and talked with her last. She was part of our “‘;65, Best Alive” crowed. The family is fortunate to have had her for the years she was on Earth. I know she will be missed by many! Please accept my most sincere condolence for your loss of an active “good” human & loved one.

  7. I went all through school with Denelda. Her friends called her “Jo” back then, too. She was a sweet girl and we became close friends. Her red hair and freckles always made her stand out. I lost track of her through the years, but I never forgot her. We shared lots of laughs and fun together. Rest in Peace my friend.

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