Robert Michaelson

POCATELLO-Robert J. Michaelson, 81 passed away Monday February 21, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was born on October 19, 1929 in Clarion, Utah to Chris C. and Thalia Childs Michaelson; he was the youngest of 7 children. When he was 7 years old he moved with his family to Aberdeen, Idaho where his father was a farmer. He attended schools in Aberdeen being active in football during high school. He drove the school bus picking up the other children on his way to attend school and drove them home afterward. Before completing his senior year of high school he enlisted in the United States Army. He was a Tank Driver for the 77 th Heavy Tank Battalion, 7 th Division, 31 st Infantry Regiment at Camp Crawford, Chitose, Japan from January 1949 to May 1950. He was recalled November 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and was sent back to Chitose, Japan and was then discharged in September 1951. He married Doris Ann Long May 24, 1953; they resided in American Falls, Idaho. From that marriage they had 3 children Von, Debra and Jalene. He was a member of the Teamsters Union working at FMC, where he served as a Union Steward. He drove concrete truck for Patton and Litton and Monroc, he was a ditch rider for Falls Irrigation in American Falls, he owned and operated his own excavation company Michaelson and Sons and he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a welder. He married Ava C. Facer Edwards on November 3, 1974. To this marriage Ava brought her 5 children Denise, Bruce, Marla, Vance and Rebecca. From the time he was a young man he loved hunting and fishing. In 1989 he was forced into early retirement due to a heart attack and he took up gardening and was an avid rose gardener. He also took up woodworking; building tables and rocking chairs for family and friends. He built rocking chairs for his 3 oldest great -grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Ava, children Von (Laurie) Michaelson , Debra (Brent) Moore, Jalene (Jim) Phillips, Denise (Steve) Walker, Marla (Brett) Arnold, Vance (Lorri) Edwards and Rebecca Seibert. 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his 6 siblings; Deon, Therald, Don, Travis, Margery and Glee, stepson Bruce Edwards, and step grandson Daniel Williams. Memorial services are under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home and will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 South 4th Avenue. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services. Burial will be at Restlawn with Military rights by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.