Kirk Wilhelm Michaelis

Kirk Michaelis lived with a fire that could not be tamed. Born on October 21, 1960 into a family that knew both hardship and perseverance, he would carry the legacy of resilience passed down from his mother, whose own journey was one of grit and determination.

When Kirk lost his father at the age of nine, the world expected him to stumble. Instead, Kirk leaned into his strengths, learned to look for more ways to laugh, and began to formulate a level of confidence that led many to believe him invincible. He had endless fond memories of growing up in Galveston with his siblings, cousins & friends that he remained close with for the entirety of his life.

Kirk was the founder and owner of El Bolillo Bakery. He didn’t just run a bakery - he created a landmark in Houston. There couldn’t have been a business that suited him better. He loved to be a part of people’s special moments, to celebrate others by bringing a cake whether they ordered one or not, to create new recipes alongside his beloved employees, to have people from all over come and enjoy bread with him. “Try this! Try this!” he’d say, and hand you something covered in cinnamon sugar or stuffed with cream cheese. During the early years of El Bolillo, Kirk was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and was given a 20% chance to live - to which he said, "I'll take it." That’s about the time his father-in-law, Bud, whom he loved like a father, stepped in and became his business partner. After several years of chemotherapy, in which he paid for with pan dulce because he had no insurance, Kirk beat cancer and made it his mission to give back. He knew God was giving him a second chance, and he made the most of it.

Above all, Kirk’s greatest love was his family. His wife, Tammy, was his anchor and his heart - the only woman who could handle him, but who also matched his boundless spirit with a love just as fierce. Together, they built a life full of joy, adventure, and unwavering devotion. His children knew a father who believed in them beyond measure, who taught them that life was meant to be lived loudly, fully, and without fear. He was truly a dream dad and a dream husband.

Kirk lived life without hesitation. He was full of ideas and followed them through, no matter how wild. Most would say he had the heart of a fighter; a man who saw possibilities where others saw roadblocks. He whole-heartedly believed in God, believed in himself, and believed in those that he loved. There is no way to replace the energy, guidance, support and fun that Kirk Michaelis was to his family, friends and community. His presence will be dearly missed by many.

Celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the San Luis Resort in Galveston, TX. Visitation will be at 10:21 AM. The service will begin at 11:00 AM.  

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to this link: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=2071d3e0-0d2d-41bc-872a-31f2167300f2&envid=p-

uxnM7VRKJEme7gtqB2ifCw&zone=usa

"See Kirk's Memorial Page & RSVP for Memorial Service at link below

https://www.online-tribute.com/KirkMichaelis"

For those traveling from out of town wishing to stay in Galveston, the following three hotels have rooms available at a discounted group rate (all hotels within walking distance of the ceremony).

Mention the Funeral of Kirk Michaelis when booking. 

The San Luis Resort

5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551

(409) 744-1500

Hilton Galveston Island Resort

5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551

(409) 744-5000

Holiday Inn Resort Galveston

5002 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551

(409) 740-5300

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kirk Wilhelm Michaelis, please visit our floral store.