Erika Michel

Erika Michel, nee Spiess, 72, born in Munich, Germany and of Chicago since the age of 9, passed away February 20, 2020.  Beloved wife of the late Stephen W.; loving mother of Michelle M. (Robert) Reis, Christopher J. (Jennifer), Jonathan W. (Kristy) and the late Stephen C. (the late Rose); cherished gramika of Bobby and Christine Reis and Amanda, Emily, Stevie and Zachary Michel; dearest sister of the late Magdalena (Vincent) Desco, Friedrich (the late Elfriede) and Ernst (Winifred) Spiess and sister in law of Trude (the late Jack) Miller, Rosa (the late Donald) Tufano, Dorothy (Michael) Thompson and the late Joseph (Donna) Michel; adored aunt of Robert (Joalle) Desco, Linda (Rich) Schneider, Susannah Spiess (Greg Mork), Anita Spiess (Nicholas Vlahos), Catherine (Mark) Creevy, Ernie (Felicia), Adam (Cindy), Mike (Teresa) and Eric (Tara) Spiess, Joseph and Bobby (Ali) Michel, Bridget Miller, Monica (Kevin) Blocker, Andrew (Michelle) and Donald Tufano and Nicole (Matt) McMillan; fond great aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Erika was quite social and had an abundant and eclectic group of friends.  She enjoyed time spent in the kitchen and was an excellent baker and cook, especially her kolackys, apple cake, chocolate kringles and lasagna. Erika did not pass up opportunities to visit Arlington Park to bet on the horses and play slot machines as well as trips to the gambling boats and local casinos.  While an avid world traveler and having visited numerous countries, Las Vegas was at the top of her destination list.  She had an amazing memory and was not only able to recall the birthdays of her own large extended family but knew the birthdays of so many of her friends and their extended families as well.  She never failed to shock a room with her memory.  Erika was a devoted Chicago sports fan, especially the Cubs, Blackhawks and Bears.  She cheered her teams from the stands as often as possible and was always dressed in the spirit of the occasion.  Always a movie buff, Erika’s favorite job was at Films Incorporated where she enjoyed many movie previews before the general public and landed many giveaways that she generously shared.  She also worked at the Mid America Club as a receptionist before retiring.  Erika was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church where she was also a member of the Friendship Club.  Erika was a strong, funny and kind-hearted woman who was passionate about her family and deeply loved by all who knew her.  She will be profoundly missed and never forgotten.

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5545 N. Paulina, Chicago.  Interment private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kellogg Cancer Center, 1033 University Place, Suite 450, Evanston, IL 60201, https://foundation.northshore.org/donatekellogg or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 954 W. Washington Blvd. #305, Chicago, IL 60607, https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate