Marion J Michaelson

Marion J. Michaelson, 90, of Detroit Lakes, formerly of Lake Park, died on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes.  She was born April 5, 1926 to Knudt and Martha (Jacobson) Thompson at the family home in Dover Township, Griggs County, North Dakota.  She attended Dover school and graduated from Wimbledon High school in 1944. Marion married Gordon Michaelson on November 17, 1944 and they began farming in that same area where they grew up.  After the sale of their farm, they moved their family to Phoenix, AZ during the winter of 1957-58.  She followed her husband’s dream of being a dairy farmer and they moved to Lake Park in October of 1958.  Together they developed a herd of registered Brown Swiss cattle and Marion worked alongside Gordon to care for the animals.  Marion saw the need to supplement her large family’s income so began working outside the home by taking a job rolling lefse at a local factory for several years.  After that she took a job as the master baker for Fair Hills Resort, creating and producing all of the pastries and breads for a 3-year period.  She then took a job at Norby’s department store in Detroit Lakes which she held for 37 years.  She retired when she was 81.  She was very active in her church over the years and continued to attend Lake Park Lutheran after her move to Detroit Lakes.  Marion was an excellent vocalist and sang with a trio for years entertaining churches and other organizations.  She also loved to play the piano, especially rag time tunes. She moved off the family farm in 1998 and enjoyed her condo in Detroit Lakes.  There she was able to continue enjoying her friends and activities in Lake Park as well develop many new relationships at her new residence.  She enjoyed playing cards and socializing with her many friends. Because of failing health, she moved to an assisted living facility 2 years ago and to Oak Crossing one year ago. Marion is survived by 5 children, Rollie Michaelson of Apple Valley, MN, Gene and Rita Michaelson, Owatonna, MN, Marlene and Marlin Larson, Chattanooga, TN, Richard and Nora Michaelson, Shoreview, MN, Robert and Ann Michaelson, Soldotna, Alaska; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; daughter, Peggy; granddaughter, Megan; 5 brothers and 1 sister. Visitation will be held at West-Kjos Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4-8pm and at Lake Park Lutheran Church one hour before the service on Wednesday.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 11am at Lake Park Lutheran Church with The Reverend Bill Thompson officiating.