Dorcas (Machen) Michaelson, of St. Paul, joined Heaven’s choir on May 9, 2026, at 68, after a valiant battle with breast cancer. Dorcas was born on March 8, 1958 in Elizabethton, TN to the late Reverend M.D. and Ola Mae Machen. She was preceded in death by her siblings Samuel Machen, Lydia Machen, David Machen Jr., James Machen, Pearl Davis, and Mary Johnson.
An honors graduate of East Tennessee State University’s school of music, Dorcas used her love and gift of music to spread joy and praise God. Known as a bassoonist, Dorcas participated in several bands and orchestras over the years, eventually starting her own quintet. Dorcas was also known for her beautiful voice, singing in the Machen Spirituals as a child until she moved to Minnesota, and with various groups throughout her school years, including the Vera Jenkins Angelic Chorus. She utilized her vocal talents during beauty pageants as a child, winning for best talent, being named Miss Congeniality, and even winning the Miss WIDD pageant to earn a pizza dinner for the whole Machen family. She spent many years working in Human Resources, as the HR manager for the University of Minnesota Medical School, HR Director for Hamline University, and for the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development. She was an active member of her community as a supporter of various organizations. She was an active member of the African American Breast Cancer Alliance and donated toys to the children of the Ronald McDonald House for Christmas. She was a fierce advocate for missing people, attending vigils and supporting families.
Dorcas is survived by her beloved husband, Ron, and her children Alisa (Smiley) Michaelson and David Michaelson. She is also survived by a bonus son Christopher Michaelson (Beth) and his children, Esme, Reese, and Sawyer. She also leaves behind her brothers Joel (Myra) Machen, Jonathan (Jean) Machen, Dan (Imgard) Machen, Matthew (Jackie) Machen, Nathaniel Machen, and Mark Machen and sisters Ann Pritchard, Ida (Rick) Zimmerman, Denise (Arthur) Anthony, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Sunset Kapala Glodek Funeral Home, Minneapolis with visitation beginning at 11:00 am.
Burial will be held following the service at Sunset Cemetery, Minneapolis at 3:00 pm.
