Robert Dean Mickelson

Robert D. Mickelson, 89, of Bolivar passed away Monday, March 18, 2013 at Northwood Hills Care Center in Humansville. He was born in Rembrandt, Iowa the son of Omer and Ethel Mickelson. Robert was a graduate of Wilson High School in Cherokee, Iowa, Class of 1942. He entered the US Army in February 1943 serving in the European Theater and saw action in Italy, France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge in November 1945 he attended and graduated from the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1946. He then began his career as an aircraft mechanic for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas where he worked for 34 years. Robert worked on many interesting projects through his career with Boeing and a particular highlight was his work with NASA on the space shuttle. Robert married Betty Lou Eaton on July 12, 1952 and they were parents of 2 children. After retirement he and Betty moved to Bolivar so he could be closer to the fishing that he enjoyed. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bolivar. Robert had many hobbies and interests in his life other than fishing. He was an excellent photographer and artist, very talented in drawing, sketching and wood carving. He loved working with his tools and was a real craftsman at whatever he did as one would expect of a man with such specialized, meticulous skills. He was an outdoorsman, an avid gardener who enjoyed bird watching and playing golf. As long as their health permitted he and Betty loved to travel. He was funny and witty with his grandchildren who loved coming to visit their grandparents. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty in 1999 and son Gerald in 2013. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Mickelson of Mulvane, Kansas; granddaughters Shana James and her husband David of Bixby, Oklahoma and Sheree Dunson and her husband Jeremy of Owasso, Oklahoma; grandson Zachary Mickelson and his wife Tamara of Glenpool, Oklahoma; and 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Robert Mickelson will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Murray Funeral Home in Bolivar officiated by Pastor Tom Rhoades with burial immediately following at Barren Creek Cemetery with full military honors. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM on Tuesday prior to the funeral service. Online condolences may be submitted at www.murrayfuneralhomes.com. PDF Printable Version

Robert Dean Mickelson

January 30, 1924 - March 18, 2013