Roger Mickelson was born on March 16, 1928 in Twin Valley, MN, the son of Herbert M. and Agnes Beatta (Norby) Mickelson and raised by Emma and Julius Hanson, rural Goodridge. He was baptized in Twin Valley in 1928 and confirmed at Telemarken Lutheran Church and attended Meadowlark School District #41 through the 8th grade. Roger attended Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, graduating in 1947.

On October 10, 1948 Roger was united in marriage to Doloris L. Beiswenger at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. The couple farmed and raised their family near Goodridge.

Roger served on the Telemarken Lutheran Church board as trustee from 1960-1978 and chairman from 1978 to present. He served on the Kratka Township Board as supervisor from 1958-1976 and clerk from 1976 to present. He was a member of the Pennington County Township Officers Association and served as chairman from 1978-1988. Roger also served on the Thief River Falls Creamery Board, elected director in 1963 and served as vice president from 1964-1983. He was treasurer of the Meadowlark School District #41 and member of the DHIA Board, where he served as Director, Vice Chairman and Vice President.

Roger was FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer in 1973 and Pennington County Honorary Dairy Farmer in 1977.

Roger is survived by his wife Doloris, Goodridge, MN; children Beattie Mickelson, Goodridge; Angela (Nick) Frey, Santa Rosa, CA; Paula (Harvey) Syltie, Porter, MN; Harold Mickelson, Spicer, MN; Stuart Mickelson, Warroad, MN; Timothy Mickelson, Goodridge and Thomas (Rebecca) Mickelson, Columbus, OH; grandchildren Michael and Lindsey Syltie, Porter, MN; one brother, Howard (Pat) Mickelson of Shoreline, WA; one sister, Ruth (Paul) Idstrom of Spicer, MN; aunt Tilla Kelly of Lakeville, MN and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, Harlan Mickelson on December 2, 2001; his parents; two sisters: Charlotte Ryding and Beth Traxler; one brother, Myron Mickelson; and daughter-in-law, Heidi Mickelson.