Louise Joan Michael

Last Updated on July 12, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network

Please join in celebrating the life of Logansport resident Louise Joan Michael, 94, who passed away in her home July 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of family. Services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday July 9, at Fisher Funeral Home in Logansport.

Born May 21, 1931, in San Francisco, California, she was the daughter of Neal and Ann Cappa. On December 20, 1952, she married Logansport resident Don Michael in Colma, California.

Joan played piano in the San Francisco Children’s Orchestra. As a child, she enjoyed time spent with favorite aunt and namesake, Louise Acres. Joan was a 1950 graduate of Mission High School in San Francisco.

Her first job was working as a telephone operator, an experience that would forever define her life. On one particular day, Joan’s friend and fellow operator received a call from a Navy enlistee. He explained that he and his friend from Indiana, Don Michael, had just arrived in San Francisco and they wanted to take two girls out for the evening. He asked if she had a friend who could go. She did. That friend was Joan Cappa. The two men agreed to draw straws to see who got first pick between the two women. Don drew the short straw, so his naval friend chose first. The two couples went on a date that evening. Don soon realized he was grateful he chose the short straw. Within that single moment, that drawing of a straw, rested the entire course of a family for generations to come.

Joan was a voracious reader and surely had the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in history. She extensively read US history, European history and related biographies. She donated books to area schools and was a volunteer reader in local classrooms.

She worked on the production line at RBM in Logansport and as a study hall aid at Columbia Jr. High School. She had a robust volunteer life and gave time and talent to several organizations, including the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cass County, Boy Scouts, Civic Players of Logansport, Fairview Elementary School, Jr. Civic Players of Logansport, Literacy Volunteers and Woodlawn Center.

Joan was a canvas artist and member of the Logansport Art Association. She had several paintings in various exhibits, including a feature as a solo exhibitor. Her artistic talents included knitting afghans and puppets, sewing quilts and clothing and she gifted many of her denim quilts to family and friends. She shared her puppets with Indiana teachers and sent them as far away as Japan.

She and her dear friend and fellow artist Stan Layman held weekly paint sessions. Their over 50-year friendship lasted through Joan’s final days. She also enjoyed painting with local artist, Carmen Noel, who was both a family member and friend. She and Carmen remained close as paint partners and confidants for years.

As someone interested in local history and people, she discovered the work of Logansport native Wilmer Flory, a science teacher, horticulturist, city councilman and founder of the American Daylily Society. She was so impressed and inspired by Mr. Flory, she organized Wilmer Flory Day to bring attention to his accomplishments.

Joan volunteered for the Cass County Democrat Party and the Indiana Democratic Party in various roles. She was an election poll worker and committed to helping people exercise their right to vote. For the eight years her husband Don served as Indiana Democrat State Chair, they traveled the state and country networking with the party faithful and supporting progressive causes for the betterment of communities and country.

Joan is survived by her three children: Don Michael and his wife Jan (Round Rock, Texas), Brian Michael and his wife Marilyn (Noblesville, Indiana), Lita Michael Rouser and her husband Rick (Walton, Indiana); six grandchildren, Drew Michael, Brian Michael, Erika Bondadkar and her husband Ninad (Indianapolis, Indiana), Maria McFall and her husband Josh (Tucson, Arizona) Audrey LaChance and her husband Shawn (Kokomo, Indiana) and Rachel Michael (Fishers, Indiana); and two great-grandchildren, Cecelia Scout Louise LaChance and Mackenna R. McFall. She is also survived by nieces Barb Hobday, Becky Pearson, great nieces Pam Miller, Brandie Titus and Hillary Morris, nephews Mike Hunter and Jeff Ness, great-nephew Jeremy Titus, special nieces Judy Flory and Carol Shively and bonus family Rick and Deb Moore and family and Jamie Rouser and family.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Don on February 9, 2006, her parents, brothers Ray and Neal Cappa, sisters-in-law Betty Hunter, Helen White, Lucille Michael, brothers-in-laws Harry Michael, Andy Michael, Charles Hunter, Harvey “Whitey” White, nephews Tom Michael, Billy Michael, Jim Michael, and Randy Michael, dear cousin Genovieve Brown and step-grandson Shane Michaels.

Friends may call from 11 am to 2 pm on Wednesday July 9, in Fisher Funeral Chapel where the service will begin at 2 pm. 

Close friend and Pastor Candice Hinkle will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Joan’s life from 4 to 6 pm at Vibrant Events Center, 1100 Riverside Dr., Logansport.

As Joan’s family, we wish to thank Tom and Jo Nelson, Bobbie, Kayleigh and everyone at Servant’s Heart Services, Beth, Alicia, Heather, Wendy, Lisa, Maria and the entire team at Guardian Angel Hospice, Dawn Fisher and the Fisher Funeral Home family, Matt and Katya Swisher and the Vibrant Event’s team and Dr. Jay Lewis and staff for your professionalism and unending compassion for our mom. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to Sherry Costello for loving our mom like family and for always going above and beyond to help.

Joan is described by family and friends as a creative soul, a life-long learner and a person of great kindness. She gave unwavering love to friends and family and to those who often felt unseen or dejected by this world.

For those who can, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name to the Cass County Historical Society, the Logansport Art Association and the Logansport Cass County Library.

To honor Joan’s memory, make time to create. Enjoy art. Listen to music with your whole heart and soul. Look at the stars with child-like wonder. Be curious about the past, enjoy the moment and dream of possibilities. Show kindness to a stranger. Listen intently to a child and gather with family and friends to create memories you’ll hold dear. Share memories, photos and words of comfort on Joan’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.