Robert H. Michel
Robert Henry Michel[1][2] (/maɪkɛl/;[1] March 2, 1923 – February 17, 2017) was an American Republican Party politician who was a member of the United States House of Representatives for 38 years. He represented central Illinois' 18th congressional district, and was the GOP leader in the House, serving as House Minority Leader during his last 14 years in Congress (1981–1995).
This article is about the U.S. congressman. For other people with similar names, see Robert Michael (disambiguation).
Bob Michel
Gerald Ford
John Rhodes
February 17, 2017 (aged 93)
Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
4
United States
1943–1946
Bronze Star Medal (2)
Purple Heart with battle stars (4)
His tenure in leadership occurred during the latter part of the decades-long era in which the Democratic Party held a majority in the House of Representatives. Well known for his bipartisanship and friendship with prominent Democrats in the house, Michel was eventually eclipsed by Newt Gingrich and other younger Republicans who favored a more hardball style. Michel did not seek re-election in the 1994 mid-term elections, where Gingrich led the Republican Revolution that resulted in the GOP taking control of the House for the first time in 40 years.
Early life[edit]
Michel was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois.[1] His father was an immigrant from Alsace and his mother was the daughter of German immigrants.[3] He attended Peoria High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University.[1]
Military service[edit]
When the U.S. entered the Second World War, Michel joined the United States Army and served with the 39th Infantry Regiment as an infantryman in England, France, Belgium, and Germany from February 10, 1943, to January 26, 1946, while also participating in the Invasion of Normandy in 1944.[1] He was wounded by machine gun fire and awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and four battle stars.[4]
Education and early career[edit]
After the war ended, Michel attended Bradley University in Peoria, graduating in 1948. From 1949 to 1956, he worked as an administrative assistant to U.S. Representative Harold Velde.[5]
Personal life and death[edit]
Michel was married to Corinne Woodruff (Michel) from 1948 until her death in 2003.[1] The couple had four children, Scott, Bruce, Robin, and Laurie.[1]
In 1978, he required hospital treatment after he was robbed and beaten by youths outside his Washington, D.C. home.[48][49] One perpetrator was caught and convicted in juvenile court of assault on a member of Congress and assault with intent to rob.[49]
Michel died on February 17, 2017, at the age of 93 from pneumonia in Arlington, Virginia.[1][50][2][51]