Alvira Magdalena Michaelson, age 99, of Elmwood, passed away on Sunday October 22, 2023, at Kinni Health & Rehab in River Falls surrounded by family.

Alvria was born May 25, 1924, on a farm in Trade Lake, WI to John and Oliva (Ginsterblum) Merten. She married Russell Michaelson July 8, 1950, in Centuria, WI. After marriage they made their home in Elmwood, raising five children and Russell worked as a lineman for Northern States Power Co.

Alvira grew up working hard on the farm. She loved talking about the hard life of farming with work horses along with growing and picking peas, beans, and cucumbers. Before marriage, Alvira worked in downtown St. Paul at Western Electric. After marriage, raising five children, she believed at the mother should stay home and raise their children. Alvira worked at Connell’s Apple Orchard during apple picking time in her later years. She would eat an apple a day. Her favorite though was dill pickles and dill pickle juice.

Alvira and Russ loved spending time at their cabin on staples Lake near Danbury, WI. After Russell died in 1986, she would spend her summers at the cabin swimming and fishing for sunfish and northern. She had a way on how to catch those northern.

Alvira was an active member of her church and enjoyed reciting the most holy rosary. She enjoyed gardening, canning, long walks, and cooking for the family on holidays and spending time with family and friends.

Alvira moved to Kinni Health & Rehab in 2009, where she spent the remaining years of her life.

Alvira is survived by her five children, son, James (Ruth) of Hudson, daughters, Jeanne (Gary) Liddell of Eleva, Linda (Charles) Klein of The Villages, FL, Mary Ellen (Jeff) McCardle of Fort Myers, FL, and Rita (James) Kocian of River Falls; one sister, Mary Anderson; 15 grandchildren & eight great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell, brothers, Michael & John; sisters, Mary Margaret, Angela, Dorothy, Agnes, twin sister, Alvina, Lucy & Elizabeth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday October 27, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood. The burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday

Condolences

1. Shari Koehler November 2, 2023, at 4:11pm

   My family is all so sad to hear about Alvira. We have great memories of our wonderful neighbor in Elmwood. The kids remember her beating them at checkers. ????
   Sending our condolences, Shari (Hartung) Koehler and family

2. Barb Garton October 27, 2023, at 10:27am

   Jeanne, my Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

3. Suzi Crownhart October 27, 2023, at 5:59am

   My sympathy to the Michaelson Family.

4. Pamela (Ginsbach) Robole October 26, 2023, at 2:27pm

   I send my condolences to the whole family as they mourn the loss of Alvira. My childhood and teen years are filled with many fond memories of her, growing up next door to the family. Among the many memories are watching her tending her huge garden, going with the family to their cabin, picking apples in the fall, and having her pierce my ears in her kitchen.

   My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

   Hugs, Pam

5. Deb Robole October 25, 2023, at 10:06am

   Sending my condolences to you with very fond memories of your mom. She was such a high-energy person. She loved accessorizing with jewelry. And I can still hear her voice. You have the blessing of making memories with her for all of these years. Hugs to all.

6. Sue (Wolf) Sperger October 24, 2023, at 7:13pm

   I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

7. Diann (Michaelson) Donaldson October 24, 2023, at 2:16pm

   My sincere condolences to my cousins in the loss of your mom. I remember going to the cabin at the lake when I was young with my parents (Louis annd Rose Michaelson) and she was always so kind. Diann (Michaelson) Donaldson

8. Darlene Schlagel (Michaelson) October 24, 2023, at 1:42pm

   I wish to express my deepest condolences to Alvira's family. I'm Louis Michaelson's daughter and I fondly remember our family (Rose (mom) and my sister (Diann) and brother (Dale) going to the cabin on the lake. Great memories. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Darlene.

9. Rita (Wolf) Nelson October 24, 2023, at 11:03am

   Alvira was kindhearted, fun-loving, funny, wonderful and sweet. I remember going to the cabin and she would go fishing all the time. She always made us feel like part of the family.

   I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rita (Wolf) Nelson

10. Mandy Phillips October 24, 2023, at 10:46am

    I have sooo many wonderful memories of Alvira in Elmwood but also growing up with my Grandparents having their cabin right next to Russ and Alviras cabin on Staples lake and spending my childhood summers there...
    She was such a fun and wonderful woman!!
    R.I.P. Alvira... Please give my Grandparents and my Dad hugs for me...

11. Olivia Bever October 24, 2023, at 8:26am

    Aunt Alvira was such a wonderful Aunt.
    Being my Godmother and my mother's twin sister there was a special place in my heart.
    She is now reunited with her sister together again.

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