Emil J. Mickelson, 85, Albert Lea

Published 12:00 am Monday, February 17, 2003

The funeral service for Emil J. Mickelson of St. John’s Lutheran Home, Albert Lea, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel in Albert Lea. The Rev. Clayton Balsley will officiate. Interment will be in the Bath Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery, Bath Township. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea Veterans’ Organizations. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, and one hour before services at the funeral chapel.

Emil died on Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at St. John’s Lutheran Home. He was 85.

He was born on July 22, 1917, at the family home in Bath Township, the son of Joseph T. and Marie (Peterson) Mickelson. His family moved to Albert Lea when he was 3 years old. He attended Albert Lea Schools.

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In his youth he worked on several area farms, was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and worked on projects in the Waterville, Minn., area. He was in the Army when World War II began. He was a member of the 34th Infantry Division and served in Africa, Sicily and Italy. For a time he served with British Commandos.

After returning from the war, he worked for Queen Stoves Works, which later became King Seely, and worked there until his retirement. He lived in Albert Lea all of his adult life moving into St. John’s Lutheran Home in September 2002.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #56 for more than 50 years and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Emil enjoyed listening to old-time music, watching Bandwagon, visiting with family and friends and was very attached to his dogs.

He is survived by three brothers and their wives: Earl S. and Alice of Littleton, Colo., Warren and Irene of Mankato, and LuVerne and Emy of Albert Lea; and nieces and nephews including: Elroy Kast, Mrs. Tom (Barbara) Guiney, and Mrs. Steve (Carol) Manuel, all of Albert Lea.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gladys, in childhood, and sister Imogene Evenson.

Memorials suggested to the Bath Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery Association, or a charity of donor’s choice.