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Jerry's obituary

Gerald "Jerry" Michaelson, M.D. went home to  Heaven on March 27, 2023 at age 73.

Jerry was born to Dr. Don and Solveig Michaelson on January 09, 1950 in Iowa City IA. As a child, the 3rd son of eventually 8 children Jerry was quieter and more introspective than his elder brothers but always willing to go on the many adventures with them.  Having three sisters and two brothers after his birth, Jerry came into his own, telling what we fondly called JERRY JOKEs, (Really terrible but creative puns).  He became an Eagle Scout and was awarded the Order of the Arrow.  The family moved from Iowa to Oregon along with their close 7 cousins but eventually moved to California with the interests of pursuing the children's professional music careers.

Our family came naturally to music our grandfather being a Norwegian immigrant with the Sons of Norway Chorale and church choirs, band and  theatre. Jerry made the most of his talent, Singing in a brother/sister group called The Relations and recording and singing in larger venues like Jack Londons in Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Police Benefit, Ceasars Palace LAs Vegas and Harolds Club in Lake Tahoe. Our ability to "self arrange" music/songs automatically was always noted by the professionals everywhere.  Music sustained him, brought him closer to God with praise and thanksgiving. 

Jerry met the love of his life, wife, Linda, in 1969 at the Pierce Community College Choral Dept. in Woodland Hills, CA. They married a few short years later, still  teenagers and built their family of six children, Christina (Michael) Wolf, Janelle (Daniel) Hopkins, Heather (Frank) Driscoll, Kenneth (Sullia) Michaelson, Daniel(Danielle) Michaelson and John Michaelson.  Jerry and his young family moved to Reno, Nevada, graduated  summa cum laude at University of Nevada, Reno and later UNR School of Medicine where he received his Doctorate of Medicine with high honors.  He later specialized  in Internal Medicine.  After graduation, their 6 children family moved to Bemidgi, Minnesota, where he worked as a physician for the US Department of Health and Human Services-Indian Health Services. Eventually they returned to Southern California where Jerry became a partner in his father's medical practice with the Motion Picture and Television Hospital (later acquired by UCLA, Medical Director for Warner Bros Studio, Universal Studios and Paramount Studio and finally with UCLA  Medical Group where he practiced until he retired at age 69. He and his wife retired to Mesa, Arizona where  several of his 25 grandchildren (he had 8 great grandchildren at his death) now lived. In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was a beloved brother and is sorely missed at  such an early and surprise passing.

 Jerry also loved performing in major musical and seasonal chorales and theater productions. Our family traditionally caroled every Christmas to neighbors, nursing homes and shut-ins, which continued until his death. His many patients and co-workers always commented on his wit and singing to them bringing  comfort and healing thru his incredible gift of music. He was still the quiet comic  though, ( a great sense of humor)noted to actually hop down a hospital corridor with a cartoonic, "Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit" chortling out of his mouth. His commitment to medicine survives him in death with his wish for a full forensic autopsy with reports to major medical centers and teaching/science centers to prevent others from a late diagnosis of ATHR-Ameloidosis.

Throughout his entire life, Jerry held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him.

Jerry joins his grandparents Endahls, Pedersons, Michaelsons (Mikkelsons) , Truax , Chapin in Heaven until Our Lord and Savior returns. He is survived by his  four brothers and three sisters, wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

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Dr. Michaelson was my doctor for over a decade. His warm and kind nature made him an excellent physician.  He was alway…
Dr. Michaelson was my doctor for over a decade. His warm and kind nature made him an excellent phys…
Dr. Michaelson was my doctor for over a decade. His warm and kin…

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Gerald "Jerry" Michaelson, M.D.