Shirley Mickelson
Shirley Mae (Godber) Mickelson passed away on October 8, 2020, at Avera Brady Rehabilitation Center in Mitchell, SD. Shirley was born in Letcher, SD on March 17, 1930, to Carlos and Cleo (Kane) Godber. As a young woman, she enjoyed leading the Letcher High School Band as majorette, and later, she attended Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD to earn her teaching license.
On August 13, 1950, Shirley married her true love, Elmer Kenneth Mickelson at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Letcher, SD, to whom she was married for 70 years. Throughout her life, Shirley was a dedicated and loving wife and mother, a school teacher, as well as a joyful and devoted Christian who donated thousands of hours of service to her community and her church. Shirley and Elmer were life-long members of Storla Lutheran Church, Storla, SD.
One of the greatest joys of her life was being a mother to Darcy (Karen) Mickelson and Crystal Mickelson, a grandmother to five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. During their marriage, Elmer and Shirley loved traveling on the road in their classic cars with the Horseless Carriage Car Club, making an homage to Norway, and traveling to visit family and friends throughout the United States.
Shirley’s passing has left a great hole in our hearts and yet we rejoice that she is free of pain and has gone Home, joining her parents and siblings in Heaven. Shirley is survived by her soul mate of 70 years, Elmer Mickelson, two children Darcy (Karen) Mickelson of rural Mount Vernon, SD, and Crystal Mickelson of Lakeville, MN; five grandchildren Stephani (Erin) Kenward, Micheal (Marie) Mickelson, Meghan (Walt) Moody, Kelsey and Elise Backer; six great grandchildren Jaeden, Jordyn and Kalan Kenward, Connor Degen, Addyson and Kooper Moody.
A private graveside service for immediate family will be held on October 16, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held sometime in the future when all family and friends can attend safely.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Lutheran Social Services or Trinity Cemetery Maintenance fund.
Funeral arrangements are with Will Funeral Chapel.