Clarence Emil Michaelson

Mr. Clarence Emil Michaelson, 67, passed away April 13th at home in Wasilla.

Clarence was born July 28, 1941 in Bismarck, N. D. to Emil and Clara Michaelson.

Clarence moved from Seattle to Alaska in 1952 as a young man. Clarence served as an officer with the Palmer Police Department for seven years in the late ‘70s to early ‘80s. Clarence most recently was the owner-operator of his own dump truck. He worked in construction most all of his life and hauled pipe for the pipeline.

Clarence enjoyed scuba diving, boating, snowmachining and the poker runs he participated in. As he grew older, he discovered a love for his motorhome and driving throughout the state. Chena, Clarence’s dog, loved to ride in the motorhome with him. Clarence enjoyed painting Alaska scenery, especially painting for his friends.

There was never a brighter or bigger smile than when he caught his first king salmon in 2006 up the Talkeetna.

Clarence was a big family man, who played pool with the grandkids and he never hesitated to take a bet and then collect on it from them. He was the backbone of the family and helped those he loved more times then they could count. He would help anybody out and they all returned the favor. Yet everyone agrees, he could be a bit ornery.

Clarence has served his country proudly in the Navy. Upon his return to the Wasilla area, he joined the VFW Post 9365 and eventually became a life member of the VFW Post 9365. During the years there he served in a number of capacities but the position of Commander he served several times.

Clarence was “happily married to our mom Becky for 28 years.” After her death Clarence was lucky enough to meet Susan and be married for 17-plus years. He was blessed to have three daughters, seven grandchildren and one-great grandchild.

Along with his family he leaves behind his family at the VFW Post 9365. He was well-honored by young and old alike at the VFW.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Susan Michaelson of Wasilla; daughters, Leslie Marden of Palmer; Lisa Michaelson (Kerry McManus) of Wasilla, and Dianna Michaelson of Wasilla; brothers, Buster Fitzgibbon and Michael Fitzgibbon both of Wasilla; sisters, Carol Bedford, Shirley Davis and Cindy Betts all of Wasilla; sister, Janet Hunter of New York; and half-sister, Rita Warburton; grandchildren, Naiomi, Cassidy, Logan, Tiffany, Frank, Jesse and Kaiden; great-grandchild, Alijiah.

He was preceded in death by his mother and dad M.H. and Clara Sitze, first wife, Rebecca Joyce Michaelson; infant son, Kenneth Michaelson and brother, Kenneth Lee Michaelson.

There will be a Memorial Service on April 26 at 1 p.m. at VFW Post 9365 to be followed by a service at the Wasilla – Aurora Cemetery.

Arrangements were handled by Valley Funeral Home - Wasilla.