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Jerry I. Michaels
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Jerry Michaels Jerry “Pops” Michaels, 88, of Apache Junction, AZ, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025. Born June 15, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, Jerry moved to Chicago in the 1970s, where he met his wife Marilyn. In 1979, they settled in Apache Junction, where they owned a travel agency before becoming foster parents in 1995. Together, they fostered 134 teenage boys over 17 years. After Marilyn’s passing in 2012, Jerry continued to open his home and heart to those in need. He remarried in 2015 to Sandra Knowlden, who preceded him in death in 2023. Jerry was known for his humor, love of karaoke, card games, cooking, and for always helping others without judgment. He is preceded in death by wives Marilyn Michaels, Sandra Knowlden, Helen Morris, and Madie Glickman; his daughter Shelley Kohler; and siblings Martin Marlowe, Richard Metersky, and Lee Silverman. He is survived by his children Chad Michaels and Susan Boimal. A funeral will be held July 9 at 10 AM at St. George’s Catholic Church 300 E 16th Ave, Apache Junction, AZ, with a celebration of life on July 19 at 3 PM at the Moose Lodge 350 W 16th Ave, Apache Junction, AZ.
