Gary Duane Michaelsen

Gary Duane Michaelsen, 75, of Mason City, IA, passed away on January 1, 2018, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday January 6, 2018, at Faith Baptist Church, 1807 South Kentucky, with Pastor Tim Moore officiating. Visitation will be held Friday January 5, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave. Interment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Gary Michaelsen Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Gary Duane Michaelsen was born on May 31, 1942, to parents Neal and Vollina (Alke) Michaelsen in Titonka. On October 29, 1961, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Schmidt of Titonka, IA, and for the past 56 years they have worked and lived life together as best friends. Gary was owner of Michaelsen Truck Line for almost 40 years and was privileged to serve a term as President of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Michaelsen Truck Line was also given the privilege of hauling to the State Capitol the bell from the Navy Ship, USS IOWA, where the bell resides. As well, Gary and Sharon hosted several fundraisers for the Republican Party. Gary was also on the advisory committee responsible for the insight and construction of Avenue of the Saints. Most recently Gary was a real estate property manager in Mason City. Even in the face of cancer, Gary taught us how to live life to the fullest and his positive attitude was contagious. His life reflected faith and gratitude.

In addition to civic affairs, Gary and Sharon helped establish Faith Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Choir Director and Sunday School Teacher over the years. He also served on the Board of the Regular Baptist Camp. In spite of all of his activities in life, Gary would want us to include that the most important thing in life is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We are confident that when Gary took his last breath here, his next breath was taken on Heaven’s shore.

Gary was predeceased by Daughter Crisanda Michaelsen, Mason City, Parents Neal and Vollina Michaelsen, Titonka, and In-laws Veryl and Thelma Schmidt, Burt.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Michaelsen, Daughter Sherry Hinders (Lynn) of Osage, Sons Terry Michaelsen (Ronda) of Omaha, NE and Brent Michaelsen (Denise) of Mitchell. Grandchildren are Lynsey Edbauer (Adam) of Chesapeake, VA, Kayley Hoffman of Norfolk, VA, Katie Nicholson (Nathan) of McKinney, TX, Brittney May of Austin, MN, Blake Michaelsen of Sacramento, CA, Madison Ahl, Omaha, NE and Brooklyn Michaelsen of Omaha, NE and Great-Grandchild Frank Hjelmen, Austin, MN. Siblings are Peg Egel (Ken) of Charlotte NC, Greg Michaelsen (Nancy) of Westfield, IN and Darwin Michaelsen (Carmen) of Mentone, IN, and Brother-In-Law Dennis (Celine) of Suffolk, VA.