Gene C. Michaels, 78, of Belvidere was called home by Jesus on December 18, 2017. Born October 6, 1939 to Clemens and Frances (Duszynski) Pruszynski in Chicago. Graduate of Lane Tech High School in Chicago. In 1958 he joined the United States Air Force. He received an honorable discharge in 1962 and remained in the Air Force Reserves for two more years. He married Joyce Teal in June of 1966. Gene was a carpenter by trade and he liked to create things with wood. He had a charming wit about him and a comeback for almost everything. He has a saying he always said to his grandchildren, "Grandpa doesn't lie, he joshes." Survived by his wife, Joyce of Belvidere; his son, Derek (Cathy) Michaels; daughter; grandsons, Zachary (14) and Travis (11) who he adored and spent much time with, William, who he loved; sister, Lorraine (Victor) Kay; sisters-in-law, Marilyn D'Angelo and Dottie Lichthardt and many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford with a Memorial Visitation from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Private interment in All Saint's Cemetery in Chicago. Memorials may be made in Gene's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org . Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .