Donald Mickelson

Donald R. Mickelson - Rochester Donald R. Mickelson, age 78, formerly of Bloomington, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 22, 2012, after a courageous 2-1/2-year battle against lung cancer. Don was born on September 19, 1933, in Estherville, Iowa, to Melvin and Oliva Mickelson. The family moved to Fairmont, MN, when he was a young boy and he grew up and attended schools there, graduating from Fairmont High School in 1951. As the Korean War had begun at that time, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served his country for eight years. Most of his naval service was aboard the USS Orleans Parish, LST-1069 (a Landing Ship Tank, and he liked to jokingly say the initials stood for Long Slow Target!). His other naval years were aboard a minesweeper. After he was honorably discharged from the US Navy, he joined the US Air Force where he served for two years at the air base in Salina, KS, working on B-47 bombers. Don was always proud of his military service and he continued with a lifelong interest in naval history and also aviation. Don then moved to Bloomington, MN, and went to work for Northwest Airlines where he was employed for 38 years, retiring on November 1, 1998. He married Joan Ellingson of Welch, MN, on June 20, 1964, and they raised their daughter Molly in Bloomington. Joan passed away on December 13, 2002. In later years Don had developed a passion for classical music, opera, and theater. He married Jacqueline (Jackie) Goetzman of Rochester on February 25, 2011, and she shared these interests. Together they enjoyed countless symphony concerts both in the Twin Cities and Rochester, the Minnesota Opera in St. Paul, as well as all the fine theater offerings there and in Rochester and the surrounding local communities. Don also loved many sports. As a younger man, he participated in golf, tennis, and bowling. He enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Minnesota Wild on TV along with his wife. He liked puzzles, card games, playing Farkle and other board games, and was an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction. He had always loved to travel and had visited most of the US and many parts of the world, including 13 trips to Korea and four to Norway, the land of his forebears. He and Jackie shared many travels together also, and they especially enjoyed cruises. Don had always wanted to sail through the Panama Canal and had that on his bucket list, so in 2010 he and Jackie were able to experience that fascinating cruise through the Canal. Don is survived by his wife, Jackie Goetzman; daughter, Molly Jo Mickelson (Shmulik Karmiel) of Los Angeles, CA; two stepsons, Jeffrey Goetzman (Kelly) of Duluth, MN, and Eric Goetzman (Tanya Hughes) of Pittsburgh, PA. Also five step-grandchildren: Lucas, Natalie and Miles Goetzman of Duluth, and William and Gavrie Goetzman of Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Joan; a brother, Robert, in 2009; and a sister, Arlene Lahs, also in 2009. Special friends in Rochester include Gene and Jane Frank, and Tony and Carolyn Stanson, whose countless acts of kindness, love, and support sustained Don throughout his illness. In accordance with Dons wishes, the body was cremated and no formal service will be held. A private Celebration of Life get-together will be held in the near future. If desired, memorials in Dons name may be sent to: Mayo Clinic Cancer Research, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN55901 (507) 289-3600