Kenneth Mickelson

Kenneth John Mickelson

November 16, 1922 ~ October 6, 2021

Kenneth John Mickelson, age 98, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021. He was born on November 16, 1922 in Buhl, Minnesota, a son of John and Edla Mickelson. He graduated from Nashwauk High School. He also attended tech schools in Detroit and Los Angeles.

Ken served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in England, France, Belgium and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

He married Betty Jane Nebeker Paul in 1950. They had one son, John. They were later divorced. Ken married Barbara Peterson in March 1957 and was married 64 years. They lived in many different states and shared all sorts of adventures. They had a son, Jim and a daughter, Patricia. Ken and Barbara went on to raise all three children whom they were so proud of.

Ken worked in the Iron mines in Minnesota and Ford Motor Co. in Detroit. He was a projectionist at various theaters including when he was stationed overseas during the war.  A few theaters included the Egyptian, The Orpheum, The Motor-Vu and the Paramount.  Ken and his wife, Barbara even owned and operated their own in Rochester, Minnesota. He continued his love of movies until his last days. He went on to work at the Omni Coliseum where he was a stagehand for numerous productions. Ken also was a prop master with Holiday on Ice and toured with the company for a number of seasons. He was a proud member of the I.A.T.S.E. Ken later returned to work for the government at D.D.O and Hill Air Force Base. He retired in 1988 after spending the last months working at the Air Force Museum in Roy.

He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W.

Ken is survived by his wife, Barbara and children, John (Wendie) Mickelson, Jim (Kathy) Mickelson, and Patricia Child. They had 5 grandchildren and their spouses and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ardell Dutton, Tucson, Arizona.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thank you to Encompass Hospice. They have become family. My dad loved all of you and we couldn’t have survived without all your love and care.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd., where military honors will be accorded.

Order Videos