Ernie Michelsen

Ernest Ernie P. Michelsen, age 80, passed away on July 1, 2013, in his home.

Ernie was born to Hazel Uhde and William Michelsen, Sr. He was raised by Art and Frieda Strand on a farm in Estherville Township, North of Regan, ND. Following his fascination with radio, he attended NDSSS and Northwest Institute of St. Paul taking classes in radio transmission. After finishing school, he spent two years in the Army Signal Corps and was assigned to a stint in Korea.

On October 22, 1955, Ernie married Maretta Bailey. They moved to Minneapolis so that he could attend the Brown’s Radio School. Ernie continued a career in radio until 1958 when he made the move to a career in television. Ernie enjoyed almost all facets of television. In 1967, he was appointed Manager of the Cable Television segment of Meyer Broadcasting, building systems in Bismarck and Mandan, ND.
In 1969, Ernie and his family moved to Wahpeton, ND to build and operate the cable television systems. Ernie was the first cable operator to institute local programming in the Midwest.

In 1988, Ernie and Maretta purchased a golf course in Fosston, MN. After operating the golf course for nine years, Ernie retired and they moved to Moorhead, MN.
Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Maretta and son, Daniel. He is survived by four daughters, Michelle, Julie Jeff Slaby, and Fay, all of Moorhead and Kim of Grand Forks; and three grandchildren, Sara, Frankie and Cassie Slaby, Moorhead.

In lieu of flowers and gifts please donate to the charity of your choice.

Visitation: Friday, July 5, 2013 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral: Friday, July 5, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.