Kenneth Michaelson, 89

Kenneth Andrew Michaelson, 89, of Hudson, Wis., and Harlingen, Texas, passed peacefully from this life to everlasting life on March 19.

Kenneth was born in North Hudson, to parents Ole and Ellen (Lindeman) Michaelson. He graduated from Hudson High School in the class of 1940. He served in the United States Army during WWII in Fairbanks, Alaska. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1948. Ken was united in marriage to Leila Marie Evenson at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson, and their union was blessed with five children: Kenneth, Carol, Mary, Robert, and Lois. Ken was employed for 29 years at 3M in general accounting. After retiring in 1985, Ken and Leila started wintering in Texas, and they became Texas residents in 1991, where they built a beautiful and comfortable home in the wonderful retirement community at Sunshine Country Club Estates. He was a foundational member of Faith Community Church in Hudson. Ken was an avid sports fan, and he was also passionate about music, his hometown, his country, and most of all, his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

Ken displayed his passions through various avenues. He faithfully went to church every week, and he also attended the Seasoned Believers Bible study. He loved to share his faith in the Lord and invite everyone to come hear his pastor preach. Ken fortified the bass section of his church choirs and community choruses, and he volunteered to lead a weekly sing-along at CCH. He enjoyed attending his children's recitals, HHS concerts and musicals, community concerts, and the Minnesota Orchestra Concert in the Park. He volunteered as a H.O.S.T.S. program reading tutor in the Harlingen elementary schools. He followed all levels of sports: HHS Raiders, his alma mater Minnesota Gophers, Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Twins. One highlight was attending a Twins game at Target Field in 2010. He also took up golf at age 65, and he was a good putter. He loved exploring our beautiful country on several family vacations to the North Shore, Niagara Falls, Expo '67 in Canada, and out west. He and Leila also traveled to Norway, and their last venture was an Alaskan cruise. He was most content, however, enjoying the view of Lake Mallalieu from his home on St. Croix Heights, going to neighborhood picnics, watching the 4th of July fireworks display at Lakefront Park with his family, and eating a bowl of ice cream topped with fresh raspberries.

Ken was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 plus years Leila; son Ken, daughter Carol; sister Alice (Cliff) Moyer, brother Merle (Alma) Michaelson; and his dear Texas relative Glenn Resell.

He is survived by his children: Mary (Randy) Lau, Bob (Diane), Lois (Don) Grant; eight grandchildren: Tim (Heather) Lau, Maren (Josh) Luedtke, Sarah and Leah Michaelson, Andrew (Christina) Grant, Heidi (Benjamin) Thomas, Jesse (Kaity) Grant, and Johanna Grant; two great-grandchildren: Emma Grant and Baby Girl Lau (due August 2012); brother Vernon (Viola), sister-in-law Lois, brother-in-law Donald Tuvnes, Wis./Texas relative Dorothy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ken's family wishes to extend special thanks to Pat Sherley, Grete Rehbein, and all the nurses and caring staff at Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living. They also wish to thank Tammy Bocanegra for the fine care she provided Ken during his final stay in Texas.

A celebration of Ken's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 23, at Faith Community Church, 777 Carmichael Road, Hudson, officiated by Ken's beloved Pastor Gregg Heinsch. Interment will be in the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at church and also from 5–8 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at the O'Connell Funeral Home in Hudson, 715-386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Community Church: Missions, the Salvation Army, or donor's choice.

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