Michael Joelson

michael joelson
My beloved husband, Mikey, passed from this world on February 4, 2019 World Cancer Day at the age of 80 years, five months, and 3 days. A remarkable achievement for a man who was convinced he would not live past his 50’s. His memory will be cherished by wife, Sue, son Al (Laura), and precious granddaughter, Sally (Reading, MA ), daughter Sara (Glyndon, MN), their mother Sharon Joelson (Moorhead, MN), and sons Adam and Clay Suchan (Fargo, ND) along with extended family and friends. Michael was born, September 1, 1938 in Fargo, ND graduating from Fargo Central High in 1956 (Go Midgets!!). Following graduation, he served his country during peacetime in the US Marine Corp stationed at 29 Palms, Mohave Desert, CA. Throughout his life, his ever present lust for adventure led him on travels all across the US and to many countries across the globe. As a businessman Michael worked in land development (particularly in the development of Prescott Valley, AZ), local real estate, and as a retail business owner of Martin’s Western Wear and Albees Fine Candies. He was particularly proud and honored to be named an honorary member of the NDSU Rodeo Club as a result of his civic involvement with the club while in the western wear business. Michael joined his brother, Ron, founding and growing Joelson Industries Inc, a seasonal décor sales and import firm based in Thousand Oaks, CA where he served as Vice President, Key Accounts. Every adventurers dream, a job with travel built in. Retiring from Joelson Industries, Michael and wife, Sue, opened Photography by Joelson, a full service photography studio in Fargo. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Sally Joelson, brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Marjorie Joelson. We wish to thank the staff of Roger Maris Cancer Center, Red River Valley Hospice, and Care-a-Van and particularly many close friends who selflessly gave of their time and energy and, most importantly, their love and support through our 13 month journey. We love you all. Michael’s family is deeply grateful to all of the living angels who have surrounded him. The family requests no flowers but asks that memorials in his name be given to Cancer research or charity of your choice. Service Thursday, February 7 at 10 am at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo, ND. Interment at Fargo Hebrew Congregation Cemetery in Fargo, ND.

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  1. Sue and Al: So very sorry for your loss. Mike was a character — and all of us girls from the Western Store just loved him! I was very saddened when Jeri called to give me the news this morning. My love and sympathy to you both.

    Love Colleen and family

  2. Cousin Sue: So sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Warmest thoughts and sympathy to you, and your family. Will keep all in prayer for comfort and peace. With sympathy and Love, Ginni and Rod

  3. Sue,

    So very sorry about Mike. He was such a wonderful guy. We had such fun when you came out to New Jersey. Always remember him at Harold’s

    Our deepest sympathy to you and the family

    Ellen

  4. We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike and Sue were with us at a few of our proudest moments in life – our wedding day and our first official “Family Portrait”. Thank you for making life a little brighter. For your inspiration and captivating conversation – we will always cherish the memories we’ve made with you – and you captured with your heart and lens.

  5. So sorry for your loss, Sue. So interesting to read about Michael’s life and travels! Cherish all your memories and know we are lifting you up in prayer during these difficult days.⚘

  6. Thought and prayers to you Sue and the rest of the family. Mike had an amazing and fulfilling adventure in life, and was an outstanding person to my family and I will always remember that about him. When one adventure ends, another always begins….

  7. I miss you, my friend… but thank you for the all of the memories! Sue, my sincerest condolences for the loss of your soulmate. I can’t think of any other couple that did so much together, and always with such loyalty to one another. Al, Sarah, and Adam, glad you could all be with Mike during his time of greatest need. I know of nothing that meant more to Mike than family & friends. Glad to have been considered one of the latter.

  8. Dear Sue and family… Nancy and I were very sad to hear of Mike’s passing… You both have documented many of our families special events. Always professional and fun to work with, Mike’s journey is over with on earth and he will truly be missed. God bless his memory… Semper Fi Mike….Rest In Peace my friend…. Roger & Nancy Gress

  9. Sue,
    We have been thinking about you both this winter season. Thank you for the 11 years of photography memories! Prayers to you and your family.

  10. Michael, my dear, dear friend. I am so sorry to disappoint you in being able to carry the heavy end of your casket as the weather has other plans. You have asked/told me for many years about this task and it was not a job that I looked forward to. Your request leaves me honored to be part of this phase of your life.
    Please know that you will be sorely missed and always in my heart. I have learned so much from you in our 44+ year friendship and your passing leaves a large hole.
    I won’t say good-bye, because I will see you again.

  11. Sue please accept my deepest sympathy to you and the family. Mike was such a great guy we loved it when you both came out this way on your sales trips. He will certainly be missed by many people. God Bless

  12. My deepest sympathy to you Sue and family. I have many happy memories of knowing Mike throughout our paths in life. Because of the weather, i am not able to attend his service. You are in my thoughts, and my sympathy goes out to you. In a future date, i will call.

  13. Mike was a classmate from 1956 and a terrific,and classy guy. He lived life well and did not fear his lasts days. Our best wishes to wife Sue and the family.
    Tom and Sharon Wright

  14. Sue,
    The friendship Mike and i rekindled after 60 years has meant more to me than I could ever put into words.
    Sending our love and blessings,

  15. Sue,
    I cannot put into words, how much my conversations with Mike over the past several months have blessed me. Thank you for your obvious help assisting your dear husband in those difficult closing days of his life- here on earth.

    Continued blessings to you and your family,

    Dick

  16. Hello,
    I am sorry for your loss. I worked for Mike at the Western wear store in 1975-76. Some great memories from there.
    E.S.


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