Deacon Steve Michaelson

Steven Michaelson, 70, died peacefully on Feb. 11, 2015 from the complications stemming from a long battle with Hepatitis C. He is survived by his wife and loving partner of 36 years, Cherie and their children, Ian of SLO, Maren and her husband, Charlie and their daughter, Matea of Atascadero, Eric of SLO and Laura of Paso Robles. Steve, an only child, was born in Maywood, CA. In high school, Steve was an accomplished swimmer and to this day, he holds his school’s record in the backstroke! He attended El Camino College in Southern California where he received an AA degree. To pay for tuition, Steve held many part time jobs in a diverse cadre of disciplines from restaurant work to Hertz 3rdshift drive so he could have the days free to play golf! He also was the drummer for a band named Smoke Stack Lightening and found enough time to become a darn good surfer. After that, Steve received a BA in Theology and Philosophy from San Jose State. Hearing a loud call to the Priesthood in the service of the Lord, Steve spent two years at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. During his studies there, the Lord told him, “Steve, I have something far better for you to do in My service” and arranged a chance meeting with Cherie. It was love at first glance. Steve’s contribution to the family income came from working at Bella Vista Restaurant in Woodside from 1981 through 1998. During the tenure, he received an accreditation from Beringer Winery as a Sommelier. Combining work with study, Steve did become an ordained Deacon for the Diocese of San Francisco and was stationed at St. Pius Church in Redwood City. Deacon Steve held that position from Feb. 1995 to June, 2006 when he retired. The family moved to Paso Robles in 2001 where Steve remained active in “working for the Lord” at St. Rose Parish. By Jan., 2013, Steve was recommissioned as a Deacon until his passing. Deeply involved with Bible Study and Religious Education Classes at all levels, as well as his work with the local poor and homeless, his passing leaves a large hole in the Parish programs. A Catholic Mass of Burial will be held at St. Rose on Sat. Feb 21st at 2:00 followed by a reception in the Parish hall. A memorial mass will be held at St. Pius Catholic Church, 1100 Woodside Rd. Redwood City, California 94061 on Fri., March 13 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Donations are asked to be made out to SOS(Sandwiches on Sundays), a non-profit organization Steve co-founded with his wife to provide weekend meals for the homeless. Send donations to SOS c/o St. Rose Church 820 Creston Rd, Paso Robles. May he rest in Eternal Peace with the Lord he served so well..