Mildred Michealson

Mildred Frances Michealson, 87, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, May 14, 2007, at the Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls. She had recently resided at Pioneer Pointe and had lived much of her adult life on Laurel Street in Fergus Falls. She was born on September 16, 1919, in Fergus Falls, to George and Mary (Buerge) Miller of Ottertail City, where she spent most of her youth. She attended school in Ottertail through seventh grade, but transferred to Trinity parochial school for eighth grade. Mildred graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1936, a year earlier than usual because she skipped a grade. After graduation she accompanied her parents and older sister Viola on a six-month trip out West seeing every state but Colorado. When her grandson, Greg, was stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs in the 1980's, she finally got to see Colorado - the state with the best climate, according to Mildred. She was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ottertail and was a member of Federated Church in Fergus Falls. On April 20, 1941 she married John Marcus Michealson (always called Mark). They lived in Fergus Falls most of their married life except from 1968 to 1980 when they lived in the Twin Cities. In 1980 Mark retired, and they returned to their home in Fergus Falls. Mildred was happiest when working outside the home. She worked for Security State Bank in Fergus Falls for many years, and while living in the Twin Cities was a secretary in the advertising and publicity department of First Bank in Minneapolis. She was an avid reader and gardener and was also very interested in politics. For many years she was an election judge. After WWII she was active in the VFW Auxiliary. Mildred loved dogs, especially her cocker spaniel, Mickey. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Mark; and her sisters, Viola Tiller and Luella Heyen. Survivors include her son, Vincent "Butch" (Carol) Michealson of Duluth; grandchildren: Greg (Kathleen) Michealson of Brooklyn Park, and Marny (Lance) Anderson of Chaska; and five great-grandchildren: Erik, Evan, and Nicole Michealson, and Brynn and Ava Anderson. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Jerry (Jessie) Heyen, and Morrie (Kitty) Heyen, all of Fergus Falls, and Gerry Ann (Bill) Barthelmy of Lake Elmo, who were especially attentive; and sisters-in-law: Lila (Kenny) Sabbe, and Connie (Franklin) Michealson, all of Fergus Falls, and June (Jerome) Renstrom of Elbow Lake; and brother-in-law, Sid Michelson of Fergus Falls. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Pioneer Retirement Community, Pioneer Pointe and Cottages in Fergus Falls for their excellent care of Mildred toward the end of her life. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Pioneer Retirement Community at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2007, with Pastor Harry Olson officiating. Inurnment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are being provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Condolences may be sent online at: www.olsonfuneralhome.com