Mary Mickelson

Mary Jean Kohls Mickelson

April 7, 1938 - Nov. 11, 2024

87 years young.

Mary Jean, Sweet Mary, Mom, Grandma Mick, Great Grandma Mick, passed away on Nov. 11 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Cadott WI her family would soon move to Oregon during her formative years. The family eventually settled in Chippewa Falls WI where her Mother, Blanche was a Teacher and her Father, Emil worked as a painter. She was an only child and was gifted with a fun convertible that her and her friends Gooder and Twiggy enjoyed fully. She had ambitions of being a nurse, however, she met Don Mickelson and a family would soon emerge. She was a devoted wife of 65 years and the proud mother of 5 children: Richie (married to Christa), Lori (married to Mark Hegarty), Susan (married to Cindy Gentry), Kari (married to Patrick Monahan), and Krista (married to Orhan Uzelli). Mary adored her 19 grandchildren, Kori, Tony, Jake, Kyle, Cavin, Makala, Sammy, Joe, Katie, Peter, Matt, Carrie, Erin, Tom, Sam, Jewell, Thomas, Kaya, and Kezi. She was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren.

Mary thoroughly enjoyed working outside the home as if raising 5 kids wasn't enough to exhaust her. Working at Fabritech, The Lorenz institute, later named, The Eau Claire Academy, JC Penny's and Uncle Sam's Cheese Curd Stand. To say she had a favorite would be a toss-up. But if Northern WI had a say they would vote Uncle Sam's Cheese Curd Stand. The Mick's, Bearson's, and Vik's set up the curd stand for 15 years at the Northern WI State Fair and it was Voted Best Deep Fried Cheese Curd at the fair all 15 years.

Mary was also heavily involved in the Service League during her 30's and then 4-H Leader/Coach in her 40's. Always with her best friend Ruthie Bearson by her side. Mary loved being involved in the community and doing what she could to help make Eau Claire a better place to live.

She was our original Crafter, Baker, Puzzle Solver, Cheese Curd Maker, Reader, Casino Goer, Worker, Dress Maker, Dancer, Bingo Player, Hot Beefs Maker, Softball Coach, Knitter, Crochet r, Baby Holder, Service Leaguer, Cribbage Gamer, 4-H Leader, Poet, Bowler, Smoker-where she met Brett Favre's Mom, Water/Sunshine Lover, Sunday School Teacher, Rich, Lori, Susie, Kari, and Krista's biggest Cheerleader, and she was always "Cute as a button"!

A private cremation has taken place to honor Mary's wishes. A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW in Eau Claire on Friday May 9, 2025, Mother's Day Weekend from 2-6pm. In place of flowers, the family kindly request donations in Mary's memory to the Care Partners of Altoona located on Briar Ln.

Mary Jean Kohls Mickelson will certainly remain a one of a kind. Her memory will live forever in our hearts and of course in those who knew and loved her