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Robert & Patricia Michels Family Endowment Fund

Established 2002

Robert & Patricia Michels
Robert & Patricia Michels

Lifelong residents of Aurora, Robert and Patricia Michels established the R.N. & P.M. Michels Family Advisory Fund in 2002.

The fund became an endowment in 2009 to support the religious and educational efforts of Aurora Catholic schools in Aurora, Illinois through The Aurora Catholic Education Foundation.

Robert Michels (1922-2008) was a graduate of Marmion Academy.

He attended Purdue University for two years and then served as a flight instructor in the United States Air Force during World War II.

In 1946, he joined his father in the coal and oil business.  Three years later, they created the Michels Lumber Company.  Robert Michels owned and operated the business until 1994.

He was active in the Serra Club, Lion’s Club and the Knights of Columbus.

He and Patricia Raspiller were married in 1944.

Mrs. Michels (1924-2017) was a graduate of Madonna High School. She was a member of the St. Anne’s Society of Holy Angels Church and the Serra Club.

Mr. and Mrs. Michels attended Catholic grade and high schools, as did their nine children.  Their fund is a testament to their belief in and support of Catholic education.

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

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