Kristi Ann Michaelson

Kristi Ann Michaelson, Golden Valley, MN passed away on February 18, 2020, after battling multiple health issues.

A private family burial will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Dawson.

Kristi was born July 24, 1956 to Gerald and Patricia Michaelson, and raised in Dawson, MN.  A diving accident in July of 1971 resulted in the remainder of her life being lived from a wheelchair…but that didn’t define her or slow her down much.

A history graduate of University of Minnesota Duluth, she started her career as a clerk in the underwriting department of Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent Financial), and worked her way up as she earned multiple insurance certifications.  Her final role there was in the Compliance Review department, until health issues prevented her from actively working.

Kristi’s fierce determination showed in her battles with residual pain from shingles, breast cancer, pressure sores, and the past few years, kidney disease which first required special diets and later, dialysis.  She was a woman of deep faith, and a firm believer in the power of prayer.

Kristi loved music, and sang in school choir and later, her church choirs.  When her diving accident meant she couldn’t play the trumpet in the school band, she switched to trombone.  Later, when that became too heavy to hold, she donated it to Dawson Boyd Schools, and acquired a purple plastic trombone. One of her life highlights was an Alaskan cruise with her friends Lynn Peal and Peggy Dokken, especially the whale watching expedition.

Kristi loved being able to live independently in her house, with assistance the past 13 years from Jeanine Levy.  Her favorite color was purple…. As seen in her home design, her wardrobe, and her hair color.  She loved movies (with fountain Diet Coke, popcorn and Junior Mints to sustain her during the show) and attending the touring Broadway musicals, basketball games, and at least two trips a year to the Minnesota State Fair.

Kristi was an amazing aunt, spoiling her nephew and nieces as they grew, and continuing that with generous gifts to her great-nieces and great-nephews.  She loved gatherings of extended family, and planned and hosted annual, creatively themed parties for her friends.

Kristi is survived by her sister, Maren Bakken (Jim) of Dawson, MN; her brother, David (Kathleen) of Chaska; nephew Mark Michaelson (Cindi), Livvy and Jolie of Raleigh, NC; niece Sara Dolan (Eric), Alli, TJ and Emily of Milroy, MN; niece Amy Schlemmer (Justin), Ethan and Eli, of Dawson, MN, niece Jenny Michaelson, Roseville, MN, and an amazing group of supportive friends (you know who you are).

The Celebration of Kristi’s life will take place Monday, February 24th, at Wayzata Community Church (125 Wayzata Blvd East), at 11 a.m.  Visitation with the family at the church begins one hour prior to the service.

If possible, please wear something purple!  Burial will take place in Dawson at a later date.