Eileen Mickelson, age 77, of Perth, ND passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at SMP-St. Kateri Hospital, Rolla, ND surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Eileen Gwen Mickelson was born on July 31, 1948 in Rolla, ND to John Maynard and Lillian (Hendrickson) Martinson.  She was raised in Hansboro and Rolla, and was the first born of 6 children. She met her future husband, John R. "Jack" Mickelson, while attending Rolla High School. She graduated in 1965, and the two were united in marriage on June 6, 1965, in Cando. They made their home on the Mickelson family farm, and resided there for almost 58 years. They were blessed with four daughters, Dawn, Lori, Jill, and Kelly.

Being a homemaker is something Eileen took great pride in. She would sew and fix clothes, bake, take care of others, and supported Jack through the seasons of farming. They would plant a large garden, which was bountiful for canning.  She also loved sharing the harvest with family, friends, and pretty much the whole county. With a hobby like this, it is easy to understand that summer was her favorite season. She loved the heat, and getting to have a cookout with everyone. Their old garage served as the perfect space for enjoying a meal, a beverage, and visit. You would often find her in there listening to a Twins or Yankees game on the radio, and spending time with her dog, Duke. Eileen would remind guests that, "what happens in the old garage, stays in the old garage."  This might even be the reason behind the farmstead being called the "funny farm." Eileen is known for the laughter and love she shared throughout gatherings, along with providing a delicious meal. Her house would be full through the seasons for holiday gatherings, and this brought her much joy.

Aside from being a homemaker and mother, Eileen was a member of the Rolla Curling Club for years. Her team won nationals in 1989 and curled at the World Championships.

Eileen's prized possessions were her grandkids and great-grandkids. They would beg to stay for days on end at the farm, and having them all close meant everything to her. Jack and Eileen would take the kids on many fishing trips, Sioux games, and hotel stays. In between the trips were countless sporting events, music concerts, confirmations, and awards banquets. She was their biggest cheerleader.

Eileen was so proud of her family and loved them dearly. She liked having her phone close as her daughters, grandkids, and other family would call her first for advice, a recipe, or just to hear her voice. They knew she would have the answers.

Eileen will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Eileen is survived by her daughters, Dawn (Jon Mark) Halone of Rolla, Lori (Trent) Byberg of Bismarck, Jill (Brent) Wilson of West Fargo, and Kelly (Rory) Johnson of Brooklyn Park, MN; grandchildren, Jacie (Tony) Page, Ashton (Jonathan) Schmidt, Shelby (Nathan) Tandeski, Jack Byberg, Hunter Byberg, Baylee Byberg, Nichole (Nick) Gubbels, Cassidy Wilson, Taylor Wilson, Kennedy Wallette, and step-grandchildren, Courtney, Justin, and Ana Johnson; great grandchildren, Carter Belgarde, Abigail Page, Ellory, Samson, Rudy, and Sullivan Schmidt, Tatum, Oaklyn, and Crew Tandeski, Bennett and Hazen Gubbels, and one on the way; siblings, John Martinson, Jan (Rex) Parslow, Deb (Mike) Manston, and Roxie (Terry) Haberstroh; sister's-in-law, Marlene (Ronald) Bykonen and Jeannie Merrill; brother-in-law, Tom (Lois) Mickelson; and many nieces and nephews.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, John R. "Jack" Mickelson, parents, Maynard and Lillian Martinson, father and mother-in-law, Rudy and Velma Mickelson, brother-in-law, Steve Mickelson, sister, Susan Mickelson, nephews, Troy Mickelson and Rick Bykonen, and niece, Carol Mickelson.

A Family Service will be held at 5:30 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND with public visitation from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.  A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rolla, ND. Pastor Scott Ramey officiating.  A meal will follow funeral services in the church dining hall, all are encouraged to join the family for a time of fellowship in Eileen's memory. A private family burial will take place following the meal.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.

**The funeral services for Eileen Mickelson will be live streamed on Facebook at AIZ Lutheran Parish.**