Judy A. Michelsen

Judy Olden Michelsen, age 79, went to her eternal rest on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 from her home in Harker Heights, Texas. She fought a brave fight against cancer for over 3 years and let the disease know that it had met a tenacious opponent. It was a bittersweet day, but there is no more pain and suffering, only peace and comfort. Judy was born July 11, 1943, in Brunswick, Maryland to Edward Ashby Olden and Hallie Etta Penwell. Her father passed when she was an infant but the Lord blessed her with a wonderful step-father, Lee Leslie Friend.

She married her husband, Steinar Michelsen, in Maryland on November 18, 1961. Steinar was a Cobra pilot in the US Army, which brought the family to Texas in 1971, and this became their home.

Judy was very active in her families’ lives, she was a member of the Harker Heights Auxiliary Police Officers Wives, President of the Harker Heights Elementary PTA for numerous years, troop leader for her son’s boy scout pack. She volunteered on Ft Hood at the Thrift Shop and was instrumental in the move and renovation to the 2 story location in the late 70’s. In addition, she served on the Harker Heights Planning and Zoning for many years. She was a member and officer in both the Harker Heights VFW Ladies Aux and DAV Ladies Aux. Judy worked for KISD for over 30 years with all but the last few as principal’s secretary at Killeen High School. Her last few years were as coordinators secretary at Killeen Alternative Center.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Edward Olden, Hallie Friend, Lee Friend, her husband, Steinar Michelsen, her son William Steinar Michelsen and sister Patsy Brewer.

She is survived by her daughter Barbara Bodkin (Shawn) of Harker Heights, sister, Linda Beeler of Maryland, her granddaughter Ashley York (Matt) of Nolanville, her grandson Brett Bodkin of Harker Heights and the apple of her eye, her great grandson Riley Scott York of Nolanville. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Linda Jeanette Michelsen and co-conspirator/friend Julie Roberts, both of Harker Heights, 5 nephews, 4 nieces, 2 great-nephews, and 4 great-nieces.

Visitation will be at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen from 5-7, Monday April 10th and burial will be graveside at the Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen at 10 am on Tuesday April 11th.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com for the Michelsen family.