Kelsey Michelsen
December 10, 2012
Kelsey Kaitlin Michelsen, 15, danced her way into heaven on Monday, December 10, 2012, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous and fearless battle with brain cancer.
Kelsey was born February 7, 1997, in Des Moines, the beautiful daughter of Steve and Tammy Michelsen. She had a passion for life that was shown through her “million dollar” smile. Kelsey, a competitive dancer, began dancing as soon as she could walk. She was very proud to be a member of the Southeast Polk RhythAMetteS, both in Jr. High and High School.
Kelsey’s spirit was larger than life. Her unending, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and humble spirit inspired others to live a life of faith. She continued to have a positive attitude no matter what obstacles she was facing. Her passion for her faith, family, friends, and love of dance was a true inspiration to many, and has had a lifelong impact on all who knew her.
Kelsey is survived by her parents, Steve and Tammy; brothers, Grant (Laurie), Kyle, and Kane Michelsen; grandparents, Melvin and Kay VanWyk; great-grandma, Tunnet VanWyk; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 14, 2012, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th Street SW in Altoona. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the church. A private family burial will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blank Children’s Hospital or Children’s Cancer Connection. Please wear pink to the visitation and service in honor and celebration of Kelsey.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Robert Strait
12/17/2012
Sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in our prayers and may God bless your family.
Jasper Jenkins Family
12/14/2012
Driving by the Church on Thursday, we could not help but look over and notice the pink bow and feel a pang of sorrow for a life lost.
May you find peace and healing and keep all the good memories of Kelsey bright and shining in your lives.
A prayer for your family from us. God bless.
Jamie Sweeney
12/14/2012
My thoughts are with your family today. I had never met Kelsey, but she seemed like such an amazing young girl. What an inspiration she has been. I'm on board for Team Kelsey....Keep Dancing!
Janice Walter
12/13/2012
Though never having been personally introduced to Kelsey, I along with the entire SE Polk community, feel as if I know her. As a member of the RhythAMetteS, my granddaughter has been a part of Kelsey's journey, and I feel as if I have been a small part of that journey as well. Thank you for allowing our youth to be a friend to your dear child during this difficult time! No doubt, Kelsey is now a member of Heaven's Dance Team! I'm sure they'll earn that superior rating now!
Donna Rae Pyle Ullah
12/13/2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family for the loss of your loving daughter Kelsey. May you find comfort knowing you are surrounded with loving friends and family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Love, Donna, Hamid & family
athena anderson
12/12/2012
i don't know kelsey but i had seen her story on the chanel 13 news i was so inspired by her faith in god
even though she had a life threttening illness she had tuched so many peoples lives even if it was for a short period of time
Shannon Graves
12/12/2012
Tammy, Steve and boys. Kelsey was such a special girl, she touched so many she had never met, I am so glad that I was able to meet her and know her for the short time that I did. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all, God bless you and comfort you during this terrrible time.
Anogene Varner - Cedar Rapids, IA
12/12/2012
I did not know Kelsey, but I have been reading about what a sweet, amazing, and well-loved young lady she was on my niece's and great-niece's (Ann and Hayley Wilson) Facebook. As Hayley put it, "Heaven has received an amazing angel ..." May Kelsey rest in peace!
Bobbi Cogley White
12/12/2012
Tammy and Steve--Keeping you and your family in thoughts and prayers. It is evident that Kelsey was an amazing young lady and touched the lives of so many people--those she knew as well as those she didn't. Through your updates on facebook I got a glimpse of your daughter and the love she had for those around her. How special that she touched so many people during her short time here--let that be your strength during this time. Praying that God will wrap love and peace around all of you.
Tom & Teresa
12/12/2012
Kelsey touched so many young and old with her truly amazing story of faith, hope and courage. Please know that your community is holding you up in prayer. May God Bless your family and give you strength in the coming days, months and years until you are together once again. God has brought her home and will be waiting for that first dance with Kelsey as she is now an angel guiding the rest of us.
Nadine Walker
12/12/2012
I am sorry for your loss. I have been following the stories and updates through my daughters Kylie and Kaitlyn. Kelsey was an inspiration to them and too many others. The impact Kelsey made on our community and the surrounding area is amazing! What a beautiful young lady now dancing with Jesus. You are in my thoughts prayers. May God wrap his arms around you and give you comfort. Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." God Bless you all.
jesse sanders
12/12/2012
its hard knowing that kelsey is gone now but we all know she's in a better place now. her smile brought happiness to everyone she knew. we will see each other once again. r.i.p kelsey we love u so much
Raymond and Lynda Ratliff
12/12/2012
Kelsey brought so many happy moments in her life and left you with a treasure trove of memories. She will never be forgotten.May the love of the people around you help you through your pain. You can count on us for anything you need.
We are praying for you in your difficult time.
Lisa
12/12/2012
Am sorry this sad and hurtful lose. I never knew Kelsey but the impact she had on so many people was amazing. I have learned that we need to be brave even if we have a diease and may take your life. At school (southeast polk junior high) i too wanted to cry. Kelsey a big impact one people and brought as closer to comfort eachother.
Valerie
12/12/2012
My heart is hurting for the ones who held Kelsey the closest... but then I can't help but to smile, because now the Lord is holding her even closer. I'm praying for the people who loved her, and feeling sorrow for those who never had the chance to have their hearts touched by this beautiful child of God, whom she is now home with.