Joan Lucille Mickelson

Joan Lucille (Ward) Mickelson, 84, of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Alden Estates of Jefferson, WI.
Joan was born in Odell, IL on July 31, 1940 to Earl and Opal (Cooper) Ward. She grew up in Morris, IL and while in High School she lettered in Band and upon graduation worked at Hornsby’s Department Store.
Joan married Orville Mickelson in 1961 and they were blessed with one son, John Mickelson. They would divorce in 2017, but not until experiencing life’s adventures for over 50 years.
After moving to Wisconsin, Joan was a stay at home housewife and mother until John was old enough, then Joan went back to work and worked for many years, first as a cashier at Copp’s Department store then as a librarian at the Jefferson Public Library. She loved helping children discover the joys of reading.
She is survived by her son, John (Donna) Mickelson of Avondale, AZ; grandchildren, Corey Mickelson and Joseph Mickelson both of Phoenix, AZ; 2 great-granddaughters, Dorothy and Catherine; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Janet (Ward) Sakol and ex-husband, Orville.
Joan was very active with her faith over the years as a teacher of both Sunday school and vacation bible school for Trinity Lutheran and Peace Lutheran Church’s, both of Fort Atkinson.
Joan didn’t watch many sports but enjoyed hearing how the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers were doing.
Joan loved to crochet and would over the years make many beautiful blankets, which many relatives and friends received for new babies to their families. She also crochet doll clothes that adorned her home on many dolls over the years.
A Celebration of her Life will be on November 7th, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Rockland Court Apartments in Fort Atkinson, WI.
A graveside service and inurnment will be on November 8th, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Saratoga Cemetery, Morris, IL with Pastor Patrick Lohse officiating.
Schramka and Fruland Funeral Homes are assisting the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted with Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St., Morris, IL. For information, call the Fruland Funeral Home or sign the online guestbook at www.frulandfuneralhome.com .