Wesley Michaels

Wesley Ronald Michaels, 58, Mentor MN, passed away June 17, 2010 as a result of injuries sustained in a tornado while heroically saving the life of his daughter Heidi.

Wesley was born June 17, 1952, to Edmund and Doris (Gudvangen) Michaels at St. Francis Hospital, Crookston. Wesley was baptized at Our Saviors Church, Fertile. He was confirmed in his faith at Maple Lake Church, rural Fertile. Wesley graduated from Fertile High School in 1970. During high school Wes worked part time at Lee Nursery. Wes attended U.M.C. Crookston. Wes worked for Elmer Hanson doing carpentry work and for Gus Haugen Construction.

Wes married Kathy Boman of Twin Valley Nov. 15, 1974. They made their home in Fertile. In 1976, Wes was employed by Lee Nursery where he worked as foreman until 2009. Wes served as Trustee and Deacon at Hitterdahl and Maple Lake Churches for many years. He also served as a supervisor of Godfrey Township for several years until Wes and Kathy moved to Maple Lake in 2001.
In August 2006, Wes and Kathy purchased the Mentor Convenience Store where Wes enjoyed visiting with the customers while working. Wes enjoyed camping when his daughters were young. Many weekends were spent camping at the lake at Bagley. Wes enjoyed raising beef cattle for a number of years. Attending high school basketball games was a favorite family activity. The grandkids love spending time at the lake with "Lake Grandpa". Wes would build campfires and they would make smores. Wes always made time to attend his grandkids activities. One of Wes' passions was woodworking. Many hours were spent working on crafts and attending craft shows. Wes had a knack for being able to fix almost anything and especially liked being able to help out his daughters. Wes recently restored an old fashioned juke box which was his pride and joy.

Wes is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Amy (Chris) Motteberg, Fertile, Kari (Josh) Bolstad, Fertile, and Heidi Michaels, Climax; grandchildren: Emily and Tessa Motteberg and Tucker and Ella Bolstad all of Fertile; mother Doris Michaels, Fertile; sister Sharon Michaels, and nephew Tharone Kramer both of Grand Forks; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his dad Edmund, and several uncles and aunts. He will be greatly missed as a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and hero.

Funeral Service: 10:30AM Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation: 5-7PM Tuesday with a 7PM prayer service at the church.

Burial: Maple Lake Lutheran Cemetery, rural Mentor, MN.

Arrangements with Erikson-Vik Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota (218-945-6141)