Pearl A. Michaelis, 85, of Washington, formerly of Kalona, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Aspire of Washington. Her body has been cremated and the family will hold a memorial gathering in late spring. A memorial fund has been established for the Kalona Public Library. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Pearl Angela (Nitz) Michaelis was born Nov. 3, 1937, in Elgin, Illinois, the daughter of Pearly August and Esther Marie (Frost) Nitz. She graduated from Elgin High School, and while in high school was a telephone operator. In 1956 she was united in marriage to Loring D. Michaelis.
Pearl was in carpet sales for many years, working at Carpetland USA in Coralville, and then at the Appliance Barn in Kalona. She was a talented artist, working in knitting, crocheting, oil and acrylic painting and line drawing.
Pearl was a good cook and loved to read and was an avid supporter of the Kalona Public Library. She enjoyed spending time with her family.
Survivors include three sons: Barry (Robin) Michaelis of Kalona, Peter Michaelis of Schaumburg, Illinois, and Joel Michaelis of Kalona; three grandchildren: Natalie, Adam and Katie; and seven great-grandchildren: Eden, Gunner, Garret and Emberlin, Lily and Jace and Hunter; two sisters: Donna of Wisconsin, Bonnie of California; and one brother: Gale of Florida.
Preceding Pearl in death were her parents; seven brothers, one an infant; and one sister.
