Elmer R. Mickelson

Elmer Mickelson, 93, passed away Monday March 25, 2019 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua.

Elmer was born on November 16, 1925 in West Salem to Ben and Alma (Pederson) Mickelson as the oldest of six boys, along with two older sisters. Growing up on a farm during the great depression, Elmer volunteered for the Army in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1947. Not long after he met the love of his life, Delores Hoff, and they were married on March 5, 1949, in Coon Valley.

Elmer and Delores spent life on the farm in Spring Coulee, Timber Coulee, and Portland during the earlier years of their marriage. Their first child, Dean, was born in 1950. Eventually, the family would move to La Crosse and their second son, Randy, would be born in 1960. Their youngest child and only daughter, Kristi, was born three years later.

Aside from farming Elmer worked for a variety of local businesses, including Trane Company, Lindsey Brothers, and St. Joseph Equipment on St. Joseph’s Ridge. He ended his work career at La Crescent Farm and Orchard. For some time, Elmer and Delores owned and operated an antique store in La Crosse called The Curiosity Shoppe established on South 23rd street. He was an extremely hard-working man. Elmer was a jovial man who loved life and enjoyed good times. His faith was unwavering, even during the toughest days. He loved his family and had an especially deep love for Delores. The couple recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 5th.

Elmer is survived by his wife Delores, 2 sons, Dean (Linda) and Randy (Mary), a daughter, Kristi (Dennis) Smith; a grandson Eric Mickelson, granddaughters Kathryn Colby (Timothy Jr.), Hannah (Alec) and Rachel (Zach) Mickelson; a great granddaughter Alyssa Lind, and great, great grandsons Gionni and Kaito.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Esther and Bertha and 2 brothers, Leslie and Norman.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday March 29, 2019 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse.  Rev. Joanne Richmond will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery in Westby.  Military honors by the La Crosse Legion Post #52. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time.  Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.