Florence Mickelsen

Florence Mickelsen, formerly a long time Staples resident, passed away Monday, October 26, 2015 at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna, MN. Florence was born July 30, 1918 to Ross and Grace Reichert at Carrington, North Dakota. She attended school there and graduated from Carrington High School. On June 18, 1938 she married Elmer Mickelsen. They were married for 74 years. During World War II, she moved with her husband and a baby boy (Robert) to Omaha, Nebraska and later to Colorado Springs, Colorado and then returning to North Dakota, she lived with her family in Carrington, Fargo, and Minot. A daughter (Sharon) was born in Fargo.
They moved to Thief River Falls, Minnesota in 1957 and then to Staples in 1960. In 2011 they moved into a care center in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Over the years she was a leader of Campfire and Girl Scouts, a member of Homemakers and Sewing Clubs and an active member of Faith Lutheran Church. She enjoyed sewing, reading, ceramics and spending their early retirement years in Florida.
She is survived by one son Robert (Lavelle) Mickelsen of Samson, Alabama; one daughter Sharon (Jim) Klein, of Owatonna, Minnesota; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Doris Silkey of Carrington, North Dakota; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother who was killed in World War II and her husband Elmer, who passed away in 2012.
A special thank you to the various care center staff, and family friends who have been a special part of Florence's life. A special thank you to the staff of Homestead Hospice House of Owatonna for their wonderful care during her final days.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 31, 2015 at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples with Pastor Steve Sveom officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.