Obituaries : JoAnn Arlene (Flickinger) Michaelson

oAnn Arlene (Flickinger) Michaelson

    On January 23, 2011, surrounded by family in her home in Prescott Valley, Arizona, JoAnn Arlene (Flickinger) Michaelson, 75, passed peacefully from this life to heaven’s glory. She died as she lived, trusting in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

     JoAnn was born to Cecil and Norma Wilhelmi Flickinger in Garrison, Iowa on June 5, 1935. She was the second of seven children. On June 14, 1959, she married Dennis Michaelson, and they shared love and life together for 52 years. She was a loving and devoted mother of three children and cherished grandmother of four grandchildren.

     JoAnn’s love for life led her and Dennis to serve as foster parents for 49 infants as they helped them transition from difficult birth circumstances into loving adoptive homes. She also lived out her faith as she served in various capacities with Lutherans for Life, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and her church.

     JoAnn lived out her Christian faith daily as she shared God’s love as a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Niece and Friend. She has left a legacy with countless people by showing how to face suffering with courageous and confident trust in God and a continual care and concern for others.

     JoAnn is survived by her husband, Dennis (Prescott Valley); her siblings, Wayne (Wanda) Flickinger (Las Cruces, New Mexico), Ronnie Flickinger (Vinton, Iowa), Karen (Dale) Hagen (Vinton, Iowa), Larry (Sandy) Flickinger (Traer, Iowa), Rosemary Boisen (Vinton, Iowa), and Kris (Bob) Birker (Vinton, Iowa); her children, Craig (Amy) Michaelson (Las Vegas, Nevada), Jayne Michaelson (Hemet, California), and Lisa (John) Lemieux (Prescott Valley); grandchildren, Jarod, Jade, and Robby Clemons, and John Michaelson; and aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

      JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents and sisters-in-law Ruth Flickinger and Pat Flickinger.

     A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for her life was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3950 N. Valorie Dr., Prescott Valley, Arizona on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. Dennis can be contacted at 2795 N. Panorama Drive, Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314.

     JoAnn requested that gifts be given in her memory to: Lutherans for Life (1120 South G Avenue, Nevada, Iowa 50201-2774) or The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (c/o Trinity Lutheran Church—Prescott Valley).