MICHELSEN, James E. (Jim)

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona March 6, 1996, p. A2 James E. “Jim” Michelsen of Omak, Wash, and formerly of Congress, died Feb 26 in Tonasket, Wash. He was 81. Mr. Michelsen was born June 17, 1913 in Phillipsburg, Kan. Mr. Michelsen graduated from Omak (Kan.) High School. He never missed playing a football game while in high school during his four years on the team. Mr. Michelsen married Ethel Brown in Omak. Kan on Sep 13, 1935. He worked for Okanogan Road Department and Okanogan Irrigation District before moving to Arizona in 1961 for his wife’s health. There he worked five years as a cowboy before he went to work for the Arizona Highway Department. He retired in 1978. He trapped for a few years after retiring as he loved hunting, fishing and trapping. Mr. Michelsen was a member of the Omak and Yarnell Presbyterian Churches, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the Nation Trapper Association. He was also past board member of the Congress Water company and was a volunteer fire fighter in Congress. The Michelsens returned to Kansas in 1991. Survivors include four daughters, Katie Moormaw of Omak, Kan. Ruth Ann Brantner of East Wenatchee, Wash., Elizabeth Wilson of Tonasket, Kan., and Leta Michelsen of Paudlen; sister Margaret Hauch of Oregon; brother Kermit Michelsen of Omak, Kan.; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, in 1993 and one sister. Services have been held. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Michelsen’s name to the Presbyterian Church. Arrangements were handled by Precht-Harrison Chapel