Beatrice Mickelson

Services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy, Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Ellsborough Cemetery in Balaton, MN. Beatrice Mickelson was born on June 17, 1908, on a farm near Fountain, Minnesota. She graduated from Chatfield High School, went on to Normal School and became a teacher in area schools. She often spoke about her life growing up on the farm, and her special relationship as a young assistant to her father. She was an avid cross-country skier and a fan of the early automobiles and airplanes. She met her future husband, LeRoy, through her college room-mate, LeRoy’s sister Evelyn, and they were married in 1939. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and continued to teach until her retirement from the Balaton School district. Beatrice enjoyed her teaching career, with mathematics and English being her favorites. She was a master of the Palmer method of handwriting and a true connoisseur of perfect grammar and spelling. She even held English classes at home for her son, Lanny, who recalls those days with great fondness. Beatrice and LeRoy were members of Tracy Lutheran Church for 60 years and served in various roles; she being a Sunday School teacher for 25 years. Beatrice had many life long passions. With LeRoy and Lanny, she spent every summer traveling throughout the U.S. and used those experiences to teach geography. Gardening was a summer favorite; reading and collecting information was of great importance. She was versed on many subjects, from the medical to astrology, and healthful living. Beatrice was famous for her woodworking skills, operating power tools with only casual guidance from LeRoy. With a router, planer, and table saw, she fashioned kitchen cupboards, tables, and buffets. And bunco with the ladies was a real affair for years. Beatrice passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at her home with her son Lanny by her side at the age of 100. Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy in 2007, and an infant son in 1943; her parents and two sisters. She is survived by her son, Lanny, of San Diego, CA; two sisters and two brothers, several nieces and nephews; and by special family friend, Alise Creque, of Las Vegas, NV. “Mother was an adventuresome spirit, full of humor and quick wit. She always enjoyed sharing her thoughts on style, behavior, and health, and was the most remarkable teacher of my life.” -Lanny Mickelson