Jeanette "Nettie" Michaelsen

Jeanette Nadine Kirkpatrick Michaelsen, daughter of Roy and Alma Jensen Kirkpatrick, was born on June 25, 1931, on a farmhouse between Shelby and Avoca. She was a lifelong member of the Peace United Church in Walnut. Nettie attended the France Country Schoolhouse until the 8th grade and then graduated from Shelby High School with the class of 1950. On December 30, 1950, Nettie was united in marriage to Eldon Michaelsen in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The two of them were blessed with one daughter, Deborah.

Nettie stayed very active throughout her life with various jobs and hobbies. She was a waitress, cleaned houses, wallpapered with her sister, and a cook for over 20 years at the Walnut School. Sewing was her most favorite thing. She made many blankets out of old curtains, and dinner napkins to name a few sewing projects. She belonged to the Red Hatters, Peace Church Women’s Circle, and most often could find her with friends and a cup of coffee at the local library. She enjoyed her neighborhood and would let neighbors come over to watch their colored TV. Nettie loved her sweets. You could find her house stocked with candy, chocolate, and donut sticks; and loved to garden and can.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Nettie passed away at Cass County Memorial Hospital having attained the age of 95 years, 2 months and 28 days. She was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Alma; husband Mike Michaelsen; son-in-law Darrell Clayton; siblings Eloise, Calvin, Irene, Jane, Joan and Dale.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Deborah Clayton of Walnut, IA; grandchildren: Jennifer (Doug) Grekoff of LaPorte City, Iowa; Kelli Clayton of Walnut, Iowa; 3 great-granddaughters: Kelly (Richard) Lumpkin, Kody Grekoff and Kacy Grekoff; 2 great-great-grandsons: Daryl and Myles Lumpkin; other family and many friends.