Mike was born on April 14, 1926 to Mary and Ben Michaelson in Sioux City, Iowa where he met his bride, Helen Harward. They were married almost 73 years and lived most of this time in Kansas City, MO.
Mike enlisted in the Navy in 1944 as a radioman second class. He served in the Asiatic Pacific on a surviving ship, the Lucky 11 and Mike was awarded the Victory Medal for his participation in the Occupation of China and Japan. Nearly 70 years later and accompanied by daughter, Cathy, Mike was privileged, as an honored veteran of the Greatest Generation to lay the wreath upon the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC on September 11, 2013. He was also considered his children’s and grandchildren’s family hero.
After attending Morningside College in Sioux City, Mike began his career in Wichita and Minneapolis. His children, Cathy and Jeff were born during this time and he and Helen subsequently settled in Kansas City.
He enjoyed a 28 year career with Bendix/Allied Signal where he was a Tool Design Supervisor. During Mike’s retirement he enjoyed playing golf in the Senior League at Shamrock Hills Golf Club, working in his yard in his Red Bridge community and spending time with the family.
Mike was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and the Lion’s Club. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Mike leaves his wife, Helen of the home, and is survived by daughter, Cathy Arnold and son, Jeff, along with 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO on Monday, February 28. The Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM followed by a noon Funeral Service. A Military Honors presentation will occur at the graveside to honor Mike’s service to the US Navy.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Michaelson family.
