Willis Joseph Michaelson

Willis Joseph Michaelson, 92, returned to our Heavenly Father January 3, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 23, 1916, the third child of Joseph and Eliza Pearl Hale Michaelson in Afton, Wyoming. Growing up on the family farm, Willis learned early the principles of honesty, dependability,
frugality, working hard and working smart. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in agriculture. He served an LDS mission in the East Central United States and later three Stake Missions.

Willis married Ellen Glines February 18, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple.
He served as a sales manager with the Aro Pickle Company and later quality assurance manager at Hill Air Force Base. After raising their two sons together, Ellen died October 10, 1984.
Willis then married Donna Anderson Harston March 8, 1985 and have enjoyed 23+ years together.

Willis showed a lifelong commitment to his family and the gospel. A great conversationalist, he loved a good story and a good joke.

Willis is survived by his wife, Donna; Willis’ two sons Jay R. (Arlene) Michaelson and Russell S. (Ruth) Michaelson; Donna’s children Jerry M. (Libby) Harston and Jeanna (Dennis) Jones; and combined 21 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

Viewing to be held Friday, January 9th, from 6 to 8 P.M. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10th at 1 P.M. at the Fairoaks Ward Chapel, 586 East 8400 South, Sandy, Utah 84070. A viewing will be held one hour prior the services from noon to 1 P.M.

Interment will be at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E 4580 S, Murray, Utah.