WARSAW, INDIANA, Darwin “Dar” Gale Michaelsen, age 75, of Warsaw, passed away on July 24, 2026, after a battle with cancer, at his home surrounded by his loved ones, and was welcomed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dar was born on February 16, 1951, in Buffalo Center, IA to the late Neal and Vollina Michaelsen. He graduated high school in 1969, and on May 4, 1974, he married the love of his life Carmen Michaelsen in Lakota, IA and the two began raising a family together.

Dar and Carmen moved to Indiana in 1982, where Dar began Michaelsen Trucking hauling for Cargill for 35 years and RVH Trucking for 4 more years until he retired in 2021.

Dar and Carmen had a small farm in Mentone where they raised alpacas and constantly had grandchildren running around, as it was their favorite place to be. Dar loved when his grandchildren would go with him in his truck on long hauls while he worked. He would never say no to desserts or sweets. Favorite memories of many of the grandchildren were getting ice cream after supper and huddling in the family room to watch a movie with grandma and grandpa, where they would hear one of their favorite sounds, grandpa's laugh.

Dar was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Mentone where they have been attending for more than 40 years. Dar was a great man. Very hardworking, kind, and gentle. He will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who loved his family more than words can say. He is greatly missed.

Dar is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carmen Michaelsen; children, Bradley & Kristin Michaelsen, Heidi & Matthew Baker, Philip Michaelsen, and Andrew Michaelsen; siblings, Peggy & Ken Egel, and Greg Michaelsen; he will be cherished forever in the hearts of his grandchildren, Gabrielle Westerman, Cassandra Green, Ciera Baker, Breana Mayer, Logan Baker, Neal Michaelsen, Alexia Johnston, Abigale Michaelsen, Kelila Bayless, Jadin Baker, Caleb Michaelsen, Joshua Michaelsen, Ethan Michaelsen, and Daniel Michaelsen.

In addition to his parents, Dar is preceded in death by his brother, Gary Michaelsen; his daughter, Heather, and son-in-law, Michael Newcomer.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 10:00-11:30 AM at First Baptist Church of Mentone, 206 S Oak Street, Mentone, IN 46539. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 AM at the church with Pastors Tim Farley and Joe Olson officiating. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw, IN.

Flowers and any love gifts for the family may be delivered to the church on Thursday between 8:00 – 10:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to church in Dar’s honor. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. For additional information and to view Dar’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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