Obituary for Linda Mickelson

       Linda was born August 23, 1942, in Fosston, Minnesota, to parents Clarence Elmer Ellickson and Gertrude Marion (Halvorson)Ellickson.  She was welcomed by older siblings Arlene, Roger, and Gloria Ellickson.   Her father, Clarence, was happily expecting a new baby(maybe a boy) to join his family farm.   He purchased a new 1942 B John Deere.  Linda was not a baby boy but fulfilled her dad’s dreams becoming quite a “farm girl” working with sheep, milking cows, and running that John Deere tractor!  She was active in 4-H as a child and an adult sharing many stories of exhibiting sheep at the Minnesota State Fair. 

 Linda attended Oklee Public School graduating in 1960.  She then attended Bemidji State University receiving a Degree in Elementary Education.  While at Bemidji she played the french horn in the band and played women’s basketball.  She did her student teaching at Washington Elementary School in Thief RIver Falls, MN, afterwards taking a job at Washington Elementary School (now J.A. Hughes) in Red Lake Falls, MN.  It was here she touched the lives of so many students and families.  She spent 45 of the most rewarding years of her life teaching 3rd and later 2nd grade.  Linda’s talent for art graced the homes of many students families over the years.  Her kindness and tender loving care entered the hearts of her students and she was very proud to be the kind of teacher whose teaching reached so far beyond the classroom.  Linda had a way of making her students feel special that they continued to feel to this day.  Linda didn’t go many places without receiving a hug from one of her past students no matter their age.   She was instrumental in starting the Linda Mickelson Outdoor Classroom.  Even after her retirement she spent several years substitute teaching in area schools especially loving days where she may have the opportunity to be in the classroom with one of her grandchildren, which they loved too!

At 8:00PM (after the chores were done) on June 13, 1964, Linda married the love of her life, Winton Ames Mickelson, at the Valle Church east of Oklee, MN. The couple lived briefly in Red Lake Falls, MN, before returning to live on the Mickelson home farm, in Garnes Township, Red Lake County Minnesota.    To this union three children were born.  Eric, Angel, and Cole who all also graduated from Oklee Public School.  The loving care from the classroom was expanded ten fold on her children.  Linda was the kind of mother who would wake up her children in the night just so she could play with them some more.  She worked very hard to provide for her family as well as being an incredible, loving, and nurturing parent. 

Besides her talent as and educator Linda was a skilled farmer.  She spent many hours in the barn milking cows and caring for calves or any other animal that needed something.  Many calves, lambs, and kittens were bottle fed and even a family of squirrels was raised when a tree was felled and their home was lost.  She never gave up on the possibility that life could be saved!  She worked the farm along side her husband and was an excellent combine operator setting the machine to save just the right amount of grain.

Linda loved attending the sports and school events of her children and grandchildren. If there was a chance to see her family do anything, she would go. She was a huge Minnesota TImberwolves fan.  Very few televised games were ever missed as well as a few chances to attend a game in person.  A picture of her and Karl Anthony Towns  hung on her living room wall!   She served on the Red Lake County Soil and Water Conservation board, worked for the Minnesota Science Museum, served as president of the fair board, as well as serving on many other boards.   In retirement enjoyed playing bridge, meeting for breakfast or dinner with her friends, and spending as much time as possible with her family.

Her generosity to her family and all who knew her was second to none.  Her heart was always open to show love and support to others expecting nothing in return. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Gertrude(Halvorson)Ellickson, brother Roger Ellickson, sister Arlene(Wayne)Cease, and her loving husband Winton(Mickey) Mickelson. 

Linda is survived by her children, Eric (Patty) Mickelson of Oklee, MN, Angel (Skip) Bergeson of Oklee, MN, Cole (Rhonda) Mickelson of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Nickolas (Nicole) Mickelson of Trail, MN, Marshall (Rochelle) Mickelson of Red Lake Fall, MN, Heath (Kaylee) Mickelson of Menahga, MN, Guy, Bronco, Clark, and Summer Bergeson all of Oklee, MN; great grandchildren, Archer James and Juniper Lynn Mickelson, Callan Heath and Lola Kay Mickelson.   She is also survived by one sister Gloria(Dave)Melby of St. Cloud, MN, and many special nieces and nephews and their families.  Linda requested no funeral services.