Laura Sue Michaelson, lovingly known as both Laura and Sue, passed away peacefully on Nov. 1, 2025, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, surrounded by her devoted family. She was 79 years old.
Born on Oct. 10, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Goldie and Larry Leckliter, Sue spent her early years in the Twin Cities area. Her life took a beautiful turn when she met Don Michaelson, whom she married on Oct. 31, 1968. Together, they made their home in Milltown, Wisconsin, where they built a successful business and a life filled with love, family, and community.
Sue was a mother above all else. She welcomed her daughter Michelle in 1967, followed by sons, Tim in 1973 and Ted in 1974. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her own children, as she helped raise four bonus sons, Tom, Jerry, Mike and Jim. Her legacy continued through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply.
In addition to her role as a devoted mother and grandmother, Sue dedicated her life to caring for others through her work as a nurse. Her career in nursing was more than a profession—it was a calling. She served her patients with compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment, touching countless lives throughout her years of service. Her gentle presence and healing hands brought comfort to many, and her dedication to the field left a lasting impact on her colleagues and community.
Sue spent her later years with her cherished companion, Bob Kruetzian. Together, they enjoyed traveling, relaxing in the hot tub, many laughs, and embracing every social outing they could find.
Sue will be remembered for her unwavering love, her gentle strength, and the warmth she brought to every room. Her life was a testament to devotion—both to her family and to the values she held dear. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and unconditional love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Left to celebrate her memory are sons, Ted (Sarah) Michaelson and son Griffin, Tim (Alicia) Michaelson and children Taylor (Casey) Newman, Sullivan, Vera and Odin; daughter, Michelle (Kerry) Koepp and children Kyle (Rayni) Jensen, Kelsey (Nate) Melin, Katie (Danny) Leach, and Karlie (Trevor) Moening; as well as her bonus sons, Jerry (Beth) Michaelson, Mike (Pat) Michaelson and family, and Jim (Bridgette) Michaelson and family; and the family of Tom Michaelson.
Also left to celebrate her memory are great-grandchildren Sutton, Benjamin, Josie and Asa Newman; Millie, Jesse and Frank Jensen; Axel, Pearl, Luella Sue, Rudy, Gus and Della Melin; many nieces, nephews, friends and family members.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don; cherished grandson, Ethan; her parents, Goldie and Larry; in-laws, Eleanor and Paul; special friend, Bob; and bonus son, Tom.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held Nov. 30, in the French Room at the Dalles House, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. There will be a brief service and program by the Nurse Honor Guard at 2:30 p.m., followed by an open house style celebration.
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home, Centuria, Wisconsin, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
