Gerard Harvey Michaelsen

Gerard ("Jerry") Harvey Michaelsen quietly passed away after a prolonged, undiagnosed illness in Prosser, Washington. He spent his final days surrounded by his beloved family, bringing joy, and enjoying jokes until the very end.

He is survived by his wife Sue Michaelsen of Prosser; son Jeff Olivarez of Yakima, daughter Cyndi (Olivarez) Drollinger of Yakima, daughter Lisa (Olivarez) Slabach of Davis, CA, and Ryan Michaelsen of Richland; son-in-law Ted Slabach and daughter-in-law Sheila Michaelsen; grandchildren: Stacey Olivarez of Sunnyside, Shawn Olivarez of Pasco, Keala (Drollinger) Warren of Boise, ID, Anne Slabach of San Francisco, CA, Katherine Slabach of Davis, CA and Taylor Michaelsen of Richland; great grandchildren Brielle Olivarez, Kenslie Arevalo, and Addyson Arevalo all of Sunnyside; and numerous nephews and nieces and their families. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Elizabeth Michaelsen, sister Bobbi Quigley, and brother-in-law Keith Quigley.

Born in Spokane, Jerry spent his younger years in Yakima before he and his family moved to Sunnyside where he graduated as a proud member of the Class of 1960. Following high school, he joined the Army, serving as a Military Policeman in Korea and at West Point Military Academy. Upon leaving the Army, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Central Washington University and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant.

In 1974, he married Sue (Adcock) Olivarez and immediately became a father of three. His son Ryan was born in 1975, making the family complete. They lived in California for four years before returning to Sunnyside where Jerry first worked at the local John Deere dealership and then at Bell and Bridges CPAs in Sunnyside. Although officially retired at the age of seventy, he worked every tax season until he was eighty years old, filing returns for loyal clients who only trusted Jerry to handle their taxes.

Known for his warm smile and his sense of humor, he loved a good pun and often made up his own jokes, affectionately referred to as “Jerry jokes” by his family. He was also an avid sports fan and could often be found in the Sunnyside bleachers cheering on his children and grandchildren as they played all manner of sports. A kind man, loving husband, and devoted father, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life is being planned for late January in Sunnyside. The date, time and place are to be determined. Those wishing to sign Jerry’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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