Marion L. Mickelson age 93 of Menomonie, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 28, 2017 at Comforts of Home in Menomonie.

Marion was born June 3, 1923 in Wanderoos, the daughter of Elton and Ethel (Arneson) Taylor and grew up in that area.  Marion graduated from Osceola High School at the age of 17.  She was a clarinetist, pianist and sang in the Glee Club.  She enrolled at Globe Business School in St. Paul, after graduation and began her career at Doughboy Industries Headquarters in New Richmond in 1941.  She was a private secretary and Administrative Assistant for a Sr. Vice President, until her marriage to Grove Mickelson on March 11, 1945 New Richmond.  A pianist from her early teens, her piano was the gathering place for family and guest; especially the little ones in every home in which she lived. Marion and Grove moved to Menomonie in 1960 where she has remained the rest of her life.

Marion was a devoted volunteer at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the hospital auxiliary, and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Service Sorority.  She enjoyed traveling to Europe and the Scandinavian Countries.  Marion grew up living in a small town over her family’s grocery store during the Great Depression.  This inspired in her a deep sense of humility, generosity and compassion.  These qualities remained with her throughout her entire life.  Her legacy will continue through the kindness, appreciation and love she shared with every life she touched.

Family was first in her life.  Her home was the center of warmth and hospitality for all.

Marion is survived by her children, Greg (Angie Catto) of Menomonie, Teri (Joe) Van Deurzen of De Pere and Roxie (Dennis) Close of Menomonie, five grandchildren, Andy and Eric (Megan) Mickelson, Cheryl (Dave) Modica, Jerry Van Deurzen, Brady, Brittany (fiancé Ryan Sutton) and McKaily (fiancé` Nate Freeman) Close, a great granddaughter Hattie Mickelson, one brother John (Sonja) Taylor of Portland, OR several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Grove in 1990 and a sister Margaret Haroldson

Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Friday June 2, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Rev. Sarah Miller officiating.  Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Condolences

1. Jean (Caudy) Alme June 18, 2017, at 11:29am

   Dear Greg, Teri & Roxie,
   So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, who was a friend of my mother's (Ellen Caudy) when they were in Wanderoos. I remember the three of you very well, and actually babysitting for you on occasion. I note that Teri lives in De Pere, where my sister Jackie (Greg) Olson lives, and we were commenting on the coincidence of two people from Wanderoos living in that town. I have fond memories of your parents and grandparents. You are in my thoughts & prayers at this time.

2. Dr William Powell June 9, 2017, at 7:36pm

   She and her husband were a wonderful couple . Full of love and good advice .

3. Tom & Jacque Evenson June 2, 2017, at 8:17am

   Great memories of Marion - always Kind, Caring & Classy! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

4. Art & Bobby Brandt June 2, 2017, at 12:39am

   Marion was the grandmother that Max didn't have in Wisconsin. She had the biggest heart to include him with her other wonderful grandchildren when we moved into town from our farm. We were so grateful for her kindness and caring. Our thoughts are with you all.

5. Tim Broetzmann May 30, 2017, at 11:19am

   My title for Marion was the "Magnetic Piano". My mother-in-law remembers her well from her stay at Village at White Pines. While visiting my mother at Comforts of Home - Memory Care, I would visit with other residents. From changing light bulbs to small talk Marion and I would laugh til our sides ached. Her most precious saying was when we held hands, "We probably shouldn't do this as people will talk." She followed this saying with a snort and a snicker.

6. Moe and Bob Hendricks May 30, 2017, at 8:26am

   We were a young family with three children when we moved next door to Marion and Grove. As a young mother, I saw Marion's generosity, compassion and kindness on a daily basis as she interacted with family, neighbors and my own family. There are people who cross our paths in life and we feel so blessed to have known them, that is how we feel about your mother.
   Our sympathy goes out to your families at your loss, but also a celebration to all of you to have had such a inspiration in your lives.
   Love,
   Moe and Bob Hendricks

7. Tina Feigal May 29, 2017, at 10:38pm

   What a wonderful mother and grandmother you have had for so many years! My deepest condolences to the whole Mickelson/Close family. May your joyful memories of Marion sustain you through this time of grief, and bring you comfort.

8. Barbara Corey May 29, 2017, at 5:57pm

   Marian was my dad's first cousin. I have so many wonderful memories of visiting at Marian and Grove's house where I loved to spend time with my same-aged cousin Roxie. This was an annual summer visit after the Mickelsons moved to Menomonie. Marian was a warm-hearted, loving, generous, and sensitive person who was always extraordinarily kind to this person, who, when little always suffered at least one serious bout of homesickness. She always had the perfect and quick remedy in kind words and understanding. She has a special place in my heart. Teri, Greg, and Roxie -- no one needs to tell you what a treasure your mother was. God rest her soul. Peace and love be upon you. Your cousin Barbara

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