Barbara Michaelsen
July 22, 2006

Barbara Elaine Michaelsen was born March 1, 1921 to Sylvan and Amy (Swingen) Holland at the family farm home near Woden, IA. She entered the presence of her Savior on July 22, 2006.

Her early life was spent in rural Woden, where she attended country school and was a member of Grant Lutheran Church. She graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1938, and, after attending college in Storm Lake, IA, taught country schools in Grant and Linden Townships for 8 years.


On June 12, 1947 Barbara was united in marriage to Donald Michaelsen at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, IA. She resided on the farm west of Titonka, IA for the remainder of her earthly life. Gardening, sewing, working outdoors, and spending time with her family were among activities she thoroughly enjoyed.


In the early years of her marriage, Barbara placed her trust personally in Jesus Christ as Savior. After several years of involvement in what became Grace Baptist Church, Titonka, she and her family became members of First Baptist Church, Bancroft, IA. She actively served the Lord in a variety of ministries over the years in these two churches, especially cherishing her many years of teaching the Primary Sunday School class. How she loved her students, and how they loved her in return!


Barbara is survived by her daughters, Iris (Rich) Thomas, Rochester, MN, and Marcia (Pat) Orthel, Eagle, ID, and her son Don (Jean) Michaelsen, Slater, IA; 8 grandchildren, Brian (Brenda) Thomas, Anoka, MN, Tara (Jeremy) Farlow, Quincy, IL, Jason (Angie) Orthel, Seattle, WA, Mandi (Chris) Yates, Oak Park, IL, and Matt, Brett, Sarah, and Blake Michaelsen, Slater, IA; 6 great-grandchildren, Jessica and Lindsey Thomas, Angela, Nathan, and Matthew Farlow, and Emma Rose Orthel; and sisters Beulah Bohl, Northwood, IA, Beverly Palmer, West Des Moines, IA, and Sharon (Don) Goeres, Cedar Falls, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband of 53 years

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