DeWayne Michaelson

DeWayne Servatius Michaelson, son of James and Minnie (Loher) Michaelson, was born October 10, 1928 in Scott Township in Stevens County, Minnesota, where he grew up and attended St. Mary’s School through the 9 ^th grade. In 1943, DeWayne began working for the Stevens County Highway Department, where he continued to work until 1965. After that he worked for the City of Morris until his retirement in July, 1983. He met his future wife, Lola Lange at Perkins Roller Rink. They were united in marriage on January 9, 1951 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Morris. Lola remained the love of his life until the time of her death on August 18, 2007. On November 16, 1951, DeWayne enlisted in the United States Army. DeWayne and Lola made their home at Camp Rucker , Alabama for 18 months. He received an honorable discharge on May 22, 1952 and the couple returned to Morris, where they raised their four children: Gary, Timothy, Julia and Joy. In 1965, DeWayne and Lola began their own business, Michaelson’s Tree Service and Car Wash, which they continued to run together and were eventually joined by their two sons, Gary and Tim. DeWayne, along with his son, Tim, continued to run the business together until the time of his death. The casket that DeWayne is being buried in is made out of a black walnut tree that he and Tim cut down together.

DeWayne was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Morris American Legion, VFW and the Rusty Zipper Club. DeWayne served as a volunteer fireman with the Morris Fire Department from 1954 to 1987. He enjoyed car racing, he raced his first car ½ & ½ in 1956. It was a 1933 Ford Coupe. DeWayne especially enjoyed working and the time he spent and the many trips he took with his family and friends.

DeWayne died on Sunday, May 30, 2010 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris , MN , having lived to reach the age of 81 years.

He is survived by three children: Tim (Jeannie) Michaelson of Morris, Julie (Kirby) Hufford of Morris and Joy Michaelson of Morris; six grandchildren: Jeremy Michaelson, Tana (Andy) Erickson, Michael Michaelson, Rachel Michaelson, Taylor Hufford and Makenna Hufford,; four great-grandchildren: Allison Michaelson, Logan Michaelson, Maddix Erickson and Ryker Erickson; daughter-in-law: Joan Michaelson; one sister: LaVerne (Larry) Dreis of St. Cloud; sisters-in-law: Darlene Drewes of Morris, Mildred Maus of Chokio, Emma Price of Corsicana, TX and Joyce (George) Kramer of Morris and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife: Lola; one son: Gary ; great-grandson: James G. Michaelson; his parents; one sister: Shirley Ann Michaelson and four brothers-in-law: Herbert Drewes, Virgil Maus, Floyd Lange and Harold Lange.

Pallbearers for the service are: Jeremy Michaelson, Michael Michaelson, Taylor Hufford, Andy Erickson, Kirby Hufford, Jake Eystad and Dave Rinkenberger. Honorary pallbearers are the Morris retired and active volunteer firemen and all who called DeWayne friend. Deb Mahoney will serve as pianist for the service with Lisa Cain and Linda Anderson providing special music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.