Sidney Michaelson

Sidney J. Michaelson, 95, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. He was born April 28, 1915, in Slayton, Minnesota, the son of John and Marie (Hegstad) Michealson. He began his education at Slayton Elementary School, and later attended Fergus Falls High School, graduating in 1932. He was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. During the mid 1930’s he participated in Civilian Conservation Corps, living at Side Lake, MN, now known as McCarthy Beach State Park. July 27, 1939, he married Margaret Degner at the First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls. They resided in Fergus Falls except for three years during World War II when Sidney worked in the shipyards in San Francisco. He later was the owner and operator of Michaelson Refrigeration. Upon retirement, the couple enjoyed wintering in Texas. Sidney was a longtime member of the First United Church of Christ. He belonged to the Masons and was deputy Grand Lecturer Emeritus for the Grand Chapter of the State of Minnesota Royal Arch Masons, as well as belonging to other Masonic organizations.  In 2006 he received the Ritualistic Award from the General Grand Chapter International, one of only two people in the state of Minnesota to ever receive this award.   He enjoyed operating his HAM radio, fishing, and hunting. Many years he spent hunting near Motley with his uncle, Elmer Michalson. Sidney was also a lifelong learner, always valuing education. He even learned computer skills at the age of 80+. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Margaret, in 2002; a son, Keith, in 1974; a grandson, Christopher, in 1974; five brothers: Earl “Mike”, Mark, Leo, Franklin “Bucky”, and Alan Michealson; and a sister, Edith Johnstone. Survivors include his son, Larry, of Yuma, AZ; two sisters, Lila (Kenneth) Sabbe of Fergus Falls, and June (Jerome) Renstrom of Elbow Lake; two sisters-in-law, Connie Michealson of Fergus Falls, and Thelma Michealson of Blackwell, OK; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with a 6:30 p.m. Masonic Service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 10 a.m. Friday, September 10, 2010, at First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Tom Gard Interment: First United Church of Christ Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls