Elhart Mickelson

Elhart Mickelson, age 89, of Neillsville, WI died Thursday, July 5, 2018 at his home on Ridge Road in Neillsville.

Elhart was born to Nels and Selma Mickelson on October 16, 1928 in Traverse, MN. He had seven brothers and three sisters.

He grew up in Stillwater, MN until drafted in 1950 to Kentucky/Tennessee. He served two years and was honorably discharged as a corporal in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to Joan Marie Johnson on June 19, 1954 and they lived in Milaca, MN. Elhart worked as a welder for Hoffman Engineers, which made equipment that traveled to the moon. Along with working construction his entire adult life, he also served as a police officer in Milaca, MN and later as a federal officer for the state of Minnesota before moving west to Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico in 1972. He loved the mountains and deserts and continued working construction. They lived in Buena Vista, CO until 1996, when they moved to Neillsville, WI. He worked at Figi’s and on the family hobby farm before retiring at the age of 84.

Elhart enjoyed being a servant of the Lord. As family patriarch he passed on his love of God to family and many others. He sang in men’s choirs and one of his cherished ministries was gifting bibles. Elhart was devoted to his daily Bible studies and he served as an usher in many churches.

His hobbies were prospecting, metal detecting, woodworking, collecting tractors, spelunking in the mountains, jeep rides in the mountains, spending time with family and friends, going out for tea and pie, sharing his good works with family and friends. He loved working on the farm and working with animals. He was also a great cook and cake maker.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Marie Mickelson, four children, Johnathon Juel Mickelson of Buena Vista, CO, Lori Ann Mickelson of Buena Vista, CO, Kimberly Iann Mickelson of Neillsville, WI and Dan Harold Koehler of Neillsville, WI, 6 grandchildren, Jamie Sue Barth of Neillsville, WI, Laura Beth Gettel of Orlando, FL, Timothy Pat Gettel of Orlando, FL, Jessica Lynn DeWalt of Neillsville, WI, Krystal Desiree Koehler of Naples, FL and Kyle Williams Koehler of New London, WI, nine great grandchildren, Ravyn Marie Barth of ShermansDale, PA, Brittney Rose Barth of Marshfield, WI, Trevor Douglas Barth of Greenwood, WI, Brady David Barth of Neillsville, WI, Gabriel Issac Gettel of Orlando, FL, Noah Issac Gettel of Orlando, FL, Carlos Manuel Valiente of Orlando, FL, Johnathon Logan DeWalt of Neillsville, WI and Jeremiah James “JJ” Stephens of Neillsville, WI. He is further survived by two sisters, Naomi Wilkins of Milaca, MN and Estelle Kroonblawd of Milaca, MN and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, children, Laurie, Elhart Jr., Joseph and Kristi, brothers, Christian, Martin, Clarence, Alfred, Chester, Edward, Einar and a sister, Esther.

A Memorial Service for Elhart will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the Hillside Community Church in Neillsville. Pastor Joe Weiers will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 21^st at the church. A luncheon in the church basement will follow the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Elhart’s family with the funeral arrangements.