Wesley Michelson

Wesley Michelson, 81, rural Harvey, formerly of Anamoose and Martin, died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, at his home.

Wesley Wayne Michelson was born July 29, 1928, on the family farm northwest of Martin to Emil and Rose (Harr) Michelson. He attended Martin Public School and graduated from high school there in 1946. He then began farming. Wesley married Bette Faul on Sept. 10, 1951, in Harvey. They had two children, Jeffrey Wayne and Michele Jayne. They lived near Martin. Bette died on March 5, 1989. He married Marie Zuther on Dec. 29, 1990, in Martin. They lived in Anamoose. Marie died on March 11, 2000. He married Alice Lithun on July 28, 2002, in Harvey. They lived in Anamoose for several years before moving to rural Harvey.

Wesley was an active member of the Martin Baptist Church, having been a member there since 1938. He served as president and secretary of the Baptist Young People's Union and was Sunday school superintendent, treasurer and teacher, deacon, deacon board chairman and usher. He also sang in the men's choir, in quartets and as a soloist. He was also a member of the Gideons and served as the Martin Township Treasurer for 30 years. He also portrayed Santa Claus and Uncle Sam in area parades.

Wesley is survived by: his wife, Alice, of Harvey; son, Jeffrey (Debra) Michelson, Brooklyn Park, Minn.; daughter, Michele (Michael) Brennemen, Bingham Lake, Minn.; three granddaughters, Michela Lynn, Julia Beth, Kayla Marie; one grandson, Justin Alan; two great-grandsons, Shawn Eliott and Darien Walker; stepdaughter, Julie (Leo) Laube, Carrington; stepson, Mark (Marie) Lithun, Fessenden; seven stepgrandchildren; seven stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; wives, Bette and Marie; brother, Harold; grandsons, Joel Alan Michelson and Jared Jeffrey Michelson.

Funeral services will be: Monday, Dec. 21, at 10:30 a.m. in First Lutheran Church, Harvey.

Burial will be: in Sunnyside Cemetery, Harvey.

Visitation will be: Sunday, from 2 to 7 p.m., at Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey.