Peter W. Michaels, 54, Ford Retiree

Mr. Michaels was a 1966 graduate of Lorain High School. He served with the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga in the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He attended Lorain County Community College where he received an Associates Degree.

Mr. Michaels worked at the Kentucky Ford Truck Plant in Louisville as a forklift operator before retiring this year after 30 years. Prior to that he worked at the Lorain Ford Assembly Plant on the assembly line. From 1972-1977 he was a volunteer firefighter in the city of Vermilion. He also worked with his father at the family's photography studio- Michael's Studio in Lorain.

He was a past member of First Congregational Church in Lorain. He worked with the Lorain Public Library Literacy Program as a tutor for many years. He enjoyed reading, especially history books, the Internet, sports and photography.

He is survived by his former wife Nancy Michaels (nee Lane) of Lorain, son: John Michaels of Stow, Ohio, daughters: Melissa Gilkes of Nashville, Tennessee, Stephanie Michaels of Lorain and Jennifer Michaels of Lorain: parents Ted & Harriet (nee Cook) Michaels of Lorain, sisters: Nadya Cole of Lorain, Nancy Mayak of Fremont, Ohio and Dottie Louis of Brunswick, Ohio: brothers Greg Michaels of San Diego, California and Tim Michaels of San Raphael, California and several nieces and nephews.

Friends my call Sunday 1-5 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain where funeral services will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Philip Kunz, interim pastor of First Congregational Church in Lorain, will officiate. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Garden in Avon where VFW Post 1079 of Elyria will conduct military honors.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #20, 500 E. 25th St. Lorain, OH 44055.