Leland Morris Mickelson passed away peacefully at the Gunderson Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn., on March 29, 2026, at the age of 85, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer.
He was born in Lanesboro, Minn., on March 28, 1941, the eldest child of Melvin and Christine (Raaen) Mickelson. He was confirmed at Rushford Lutheran Church. He later made his home in Mabel, Minn., where he was surrounded by many friends.
A true jack of all trades, over the years he drove truck hauling milk, feed, and cattle in addition to grooming cattle, building silos, working on the railroad, and painting.
Over his lifetime, he enjoyed listening to and collecting records, 8 tracks, and cassette tapes of his favorite country music artists. A historian at heart, Leland spent time exploring the past and putting together ancestry books of his heritage.
Leland married Nancy Peterson and had two sons, Scott and Terry. They later divorced. He later married Jean Marin and had a son, Corey. They would later divorce.
He is survived by his children, Scott of Mabel, Terry of Lanesboro, and Corey of Colorado; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, his siblings Richard Mickelson of Lanesboro, Robert “Bobby” (Rosemary) Mickelson of Whalan, Linda Danielson of Chatfield, Donald “Donny” (Nancy) Mickelson of Lanesboro, Mavis (Gary) Musselman of Lanesboro, and Gerald “Jerry” Mickelson of Wisconsin; four nephews and six nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Jean Mickelson, a grandchild, King Mickelson; a brother, Carroll (Carly) Mickelson; nephews Kyle Musselman and Travis Mickelson, and a brother-in-law, Roger Danielson.
A celebration of life will be held at Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel, Minn., on April 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. Lunch and fellowship will follow. Burial will be at a later date in the Whalan Lutheran Cemetery.
All friends and family are welcome.
His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Blessed be his memory.
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