Elmer Kenneth Mickelson, age 94 of Storla, SD died Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Avera Brady in Mitchell, SD.  A memorial service for both Elmer and Shirley will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Lutheran Church in Storla.  Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 prayer service on Friday April 8, 2022 at Will Funeral Chapel.  Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Letcher.

Elmer Kenneth Mickelson was born on June 1, 1927, to Micheal and Amanda (Egge) Mickelson in rural Storla, where they lived on a farm until Elmer's fathers' untimely death in 1937.   Elmer and his mother remained in the Storla area and Elmer graduated from Letcher high school.  Following the completion of high school, Elmer worked with his brother, Orval, who owned the Storla garage.  In 1949, Elmer purchased a feed grinder in order to start his own feed grinding business.  Elmer lived in the Storla area his entire life.

Elmer was united in marriage with Shirley Mae Godber on August 13, 1950, at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Letcher, SD.  Shortly after they were married, Elmer was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict and spent his military time at Camp McCoy Army Base, Wisconsin, Fort Leonard Wood Army Base, Missouri, and Baumholder Army Base, Germany.  After his return from military service, Elmer resumed his feed grinding business.  Elmer ground feed during the day and farmed at night in order to be able to obtain his own farm.  Elmer eventually purchased the land where he and Shirley began building their lives, raising a family, and growing the agricultural business.    Elmer's son Darcy and grandson Micheal worked with Elmer and together they grew the farm into a three-generation farming/cattle business.  After Elmer's retirement, Darcy and Mike continue the legacy today.

Elmer was known for his winning smile, his sense of humor and his big heart.  He was a devoted husband and loving father to Darcy and Crystal, and an adoring grandfather to twelve grand and great grandchildren.  Elmer and Shirley thrived during their 70 years of marriage and were truly a team in building their lifetime dreams and achievements.  Elmer and Shirley were inseparable until Shirley's death in October 2020 at Avera Brady Rehab.  Elmer remained at Avera Brady until his passing.

Elmer was an active member of Storla Lutheran Church, where he was a lifetime member.  He was a member of the American Legion, and active in his community.  He loved cars all his life and was an enthusiastic classic car collector and member of The Horseless Carriage Car Club.  He and Shirley and their Car Club friends took countless trips with their classic cars.  Elmer and Shirley enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family throughout the United States.  Elmer was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage; Elmer and Shirley traveled to Norway to visit areas where Elmer's family originated.   Elmer was a second-generation immigrant as his father Micheal immigrated from Norway as a child.

Thankful for being part of his life, Elmer is survived by his two children Darcy (Karen) Mickelson of rural Mt. Vernon and Crystal Mickelson of Lakeville, MN; five grandchildren Stephani (Erin) Kenward, Micheal (Marie) Mickelson, Meghan (Walt) Moody, Kelsey and Elise Backer; seven great grandchildren Jaeden, Jordyn, Kalan Kenward, Connor Degen, Emerson Mickelson, Addyson and Kooper Moody.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Mae Mickelson, his parents; Micheal and Amanda Mickelson, his siblings and their spouses; Orval (Ruby) Mickelson, Iola (Gaylord) Scott, Arla (Leo) Scott; his father-in-law and mother-in-law; Carlos and Cleo (Kane) Godber; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law and their spouses Elaine (Volney) Johnson, Marvin (Marvis) Godber, Merlin Godber.

Memorials can be sent to Trinity Cemetery Maintenance fund or Lutheran Social Services.