Roberto Garcia Michel, age 66, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed into the spirit world on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at his home after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Roberto was born on July 4, 1960, in Illinois, to Moises and Rosa (Flamenco) Michel.
Roberto loved the outdoors, whether it was hiking, camping, fishing, riding one of his bicycles, or working in his yard. He also loved a great story, whether it was a novel, a literary piece, a biography, a documentary, a good movie, or oral history. He earned a degree in English literature from the University of Oregon and later received a master’s degree in journalism from Marquette University, a reflection of his love of learning, knowledge, and sharing what he knew with others.
He spent most of his career as a writer and editor. He retired in April 2026 from a trade magazine called “Modern Materials Handling,” writing about warehouse management and supply chain execution software. He was comfortable writing about complex and highly technical systems but could just as easily craft a witticism on the fly, just for fun.
Roberto enjoyed cooking and could probably have made it as a chef. He cooked for many family gatherings and was a master at grilling. He carved many turkeys and helped prep for numerous Native American Church gatherings. At family events, he could always be counted on to share an interesting piece of trivia or a well-timed one-liner. Everyone wanted him to be on their team when games were played.
Roberto was married to Karen Lincoln, his beloved wife and partner in life. They met at Marquette University and married in 1990. They lived in different parts of the country to places where their journalism careers took them. Together, they shared a life filled with love and dedication to family. Although they had no children of their own, Roberto had many Ho-Chunk extended family members who called him “Jaji” (father) and “Coka” (grandfather).
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Karen; his Ho-Chunk children Joel, Jon (Erica), Anne and Josh (Val) Thundercloud; Kiana (Greg) Beaudin; John and Ryan Dick, Alina (Wendy) Lincoln, Karie (Asa) Decorah-Archer; and Nikki (Cody) Lincoln; and many Ho-Chunk grandchildren; his brothers Arturo and Alberto (Nicole) Michel; his nephews Nico and Sam Michel; nieces Emma, Illeana, Lola and Vivian Michel; along with other family members and friends who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents Felipe and Filemon Michel, and Florentino and Luz Flamenco; and his sister Laura Bowman.
Visitation was held at the Lincoln homestead, Huuc Hogiwe (24692 Embay Ave., Tomah, WI), on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a meal. An evening wake, with story sharing and fellowship, took place until 10 p.m. Funeral services took place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, with a Native American Church devotional service. Burial followed at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Tomah between noon and 12:30 p.m., followed by a dinner at Huuc Hogiwe. Stuart Lonetree officiated. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
