Mary Lou Mickelson

Mary Lou was born August 24, 1929, to Emmett and Marie Russell. She grew up on a farm between Clare and Barnum along with her twelve siblings. She attended school in Barnum and graduated in 1947. On May 12, 1951, she married Robert Mickelson and helped raise their three children on their farm near Duncombe. Mary Lou was happiest spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She brought joy and laughter into the lives of all those who knew her. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart and will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish her memories are her two children, Janet Mickelson of Ames, and Cliff (Dawn) Mickelson of Duncombe; four grandchildren, Katie (Ryan) Johnson, Frank (Kait) Reding, Maria Mickelson, and Jayna Mickelson; and four great-grandchildren, Rylee and Hannah Johnson, Wyatt Maguire, and Wade Reding. She is also survived by her two sisters, Johanna Fawcett and Judy Combs, along with seven sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; infant son, Stephen; daughter, Joan Mickelson Reding; parents; six brothers, Bob, Pat, Bill, Jerry, John, and Danny, and four sisters, Elaine Sanger, Barb Maier, Kathleen Hansen, and Patsy Wise; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no service. Memorials may be left to Washington Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund (601 Wagner St., Duncombe, IA 50532) or Friendship Haven Good Samaritan Fund (420 Kenyon Road, Fort Dodge, IA 50501). Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.