Carl Robert Michel

Carl Robert Michel, 88, of Bozeman, MT passed away from heart failure on January 22rd, 2017 surrounded by his three loving adult sons.

Carl was born in Union City, NJ on October 7th, 1928. He was the only child to parents Carl Percival and Elise Michel. Following his high school graduation in 1946, Carl enlisted in the Army. He faithfully served his country in Europe during the chaotic resettling after World War II. Upon his honorable discharge in 1949, Carl attended Rutgers University, earning his BS degree in 1954, and then a Masters in business in 1964.

Carl married his first wife Joan Hancock Michel in 1956. Together the couple raised three sons: Carl D. (“Chuck”) Michel (now of Los Angeles), Clark Michel (also of Los Angeles), and Clifford Scott Michel (of Bozeman, Montana). The family first lived in East Brunswick, NJ, then moved to Martinsville, NJ in 1966. Joan passed away in 1979.

Carl spent his professional career working for Ford Motor Company, then Johnson & Johnson. In 1980 Carl started his own successful business, Specialty Pressure Sensitive Products. In 1980, Carl married his second wife, Bernadette Zammit.

Carl retired and moved from Martinsville to a lakefront property on Lake Anna in Mineral, VA in 1991. He was active in the community including the Rotary Club, fundraising for veterans, and many other community activities. He enjoyed collecting firearms, shooting, hunting, and fishing. He was a competitive small bore shooter in his youth, an NRA certified shooting instructor, and a proud life member of the NRA. He passed these passions on to his sons.

Carl’s second wife Bernadette died in 2015, and Carl moved to Bozeman MT to be near his son Cliff and his wife Rainey.

Carl will be most remembered for his sense of humor and entertaining personality.

Carl is survived by his three sons and five grandchildren. A private family reception will be held. In lieu of flowers, Carl requested that loved ones and friends consider a contribution to the NRA Foundation, or to their favorite charity.