Frances Marie Michaelis

Frances Marie Michaelis, age 98, passed away July 13, 2023, at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Long-Term Care in WaKeeney.

She was born on May 7, 1925, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of George and Susanna (Eichman) Wiedeman.
Frances was baptized on May 31, 1925, in Russell and confirmed on May 28, 1939, at the Zion Lutheran Church, in Trego Center, Kansas. She attended Cochran Grade School and was a 1942 graduate of Brownell High School. She attended Fort Hays State College, earned her teaching certificate, and then taught for three years at the Cochran and Mount Pleasant schools.

On April 6, 1947, she married Elmer Michaelis in WaKeeney, where the couple made their home, ran their business, and raised their two children, Arla and Tye.

Frances was the deputy county clerk for two years and the secretary and bookkeeper for Michaelis Electric until she retired in 1986.

She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bethlehem Daughters, Rebekahs, the Locust Club, a Federated Music Society, Em-Cro-Knit sewing circle, a Boy and Girl Scout Leader, and a senior exercise group leader.

Frances loved growing flowers and working in her yard, cooking unique dishes for her family, traveling, playing bridge, and making quilts with the church ladies. She was always busy helping others.  

She is survived by her daughter, Arla Homburg of Stockton; son, Tye (Lisa) Michaelis of Topeka; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Elmer, her brothers, Hubert and Clarence Wiedeman, and her special friend, Dick Woodall.

A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney, followed by burial in the WaKeeney City Cemetery. Visitation was held at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, on Monday, July 17, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long-Term Care.