Rosa Marie "Rosie" Michaelsen

Rosa Marie "Rosie" Michaelsen was born in Odessa Sept. 29, 1918. She was the fifth of seven daughters born to Conrad and Anna Margaret Schauerman. Her father Con was a brick layer and contractor, building Odessa's wooden grain bins and homes (to include Rosie and Heinie's). Many still remain.

Her parents were among the early families of immigrants, Germans from Russia.

Only 14 when her mother died during the Great Depression, Rosie worked part time after school at Derr's restaurant and bakery and was later hired as a soda fountain girl by owner Heinie Michaelsen for his Corner Drug Store at 35¢ per hour. They married Sept. 23, 1941, and four children were born to this union.

Graduating in the class of 1937, Rosie was an athlete in high school competing in basketball and tennis, and her enthusiasm continued throughout her lifetime. She followed her children's and grandchildren's athletic endeavors, from grade school through college.

A life-time resident of Odessa, she was always active in the community. Rosie taught in Vacation Bible School, was a active member of the English Congregational Church and later with Heritage Church after the two merged.

Over the years she was a Brownie Scout leader, Rainbow mom and Worthy Matron of Eastern Star.

She supported the groups composed of Lions Club members' and volunteer firemen's wives, and also volunteered walking door to door for March of Dimes and Multiple Sclerosis research.

Rose, along with husband Henry "Heinie" Michaelsen, were driving forces behind the Odessa Historical Society and museum. Well into her 80s, she continued her hostess shift at the museum and worked the bake sale during Deutschesfest.

Rosie was then Mayor (Heinie) Michaelson's biggest supporter during the clean-up of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1981.

Grandma Rosie, a card player most of her life, enjoyed teaching her grandchildren. A tradition the grandchildren continue today.

She was an avid card and letter writer to many, and apple pies were a treat for family and friends.

Rose loved the Lord, her family, friends and the community of Odessa.

A life well lived.

Rosie is survived by her four children: Carol Evavold and husband Jon, Mary Kirstein and husband Ken, Dean Michaelsen and Margaret Praetorius and husband Jack; by eight grandchildren: Jonna Evavold Skokan; Jessica Evavold Kelley; Joel, Jason, Gabe and Micah Kirstein; Michelle Praetorius Ovens and Jared Praetorius; by 13 great grandchildren: Thea and Mae Skokan; Wyatt and Grant Kelley; Katherine, Jonah, Ann,

Jon and Joseph Kirstein; Tayven and Delani Kirstein; Thomas and Steve Kirstein; as well as step-sister Vineta Weber and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Heinie, six sisters Lena Stuhlmiller, Irene Nichols, Helen Schimke, Martha Bartlamay, Loretta Fink and Ruth Heimbigner and brothers-in-law Elmer (Dorothy) Michaelsen and Howard (Faye) Michaelsen.