ROBERT “BOBBY” JOHN MICKELSON
ROBERT “BOBBY” JOHN MICKELSON
Robert “Bobby” John Mickelson of Black River Falls, went to join his Lord and Savior in Heaven in the early morning hours Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at Country Terrace, his place of residence for the past 10 years.
Robert was born July 28, 1957, in La Crosse, WI, the fourth son of Lester and Lillian Mickelson Sr. He graduated from GET (Gale-Etrrick-Trempealeau) High School in 1977.
Robert met the love of his life, Renee Heinz, in 1985. They wed May 2, 1987, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Black River Falls. With the guidance of Renee’s parents, they made their home in Elm St. Trailer Court Estates. They were very proud of being able to buy their own home.
Robert worked at HandiShop, Burnstad’s Grocery and bagging Christmas trees at Waughtal’s Tree Farm. Robert also enjoyed mowing lawns for his neighbors. Ed Heinz, Robert’s father-in-law, encouraged him to join the Knights of Columbus of which he became a very active member.
Robert enjoyed the trip to Branson, TN, with Renee and her parents. He also enjoyed his occasional trips to the casino.
When diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2004, Robert didn’t give up. He kept taking care of Renee, and mowing lawns for his neighbors. In 2015, it became too much for Renee and Robert to handle the Parkinson’s on their own. We, Leslie and Donna, decided to step in and help out. We got Robert moved into Country Terrace, and Renee moved to Greenwood by the guidance of her guardian. With the assistance of the Country Terrace staff, Robert was able to continue enjoying life.
Deb Thompson, Robert’s “companion,” took him on bus trips to dinner, theaters and to the casino and concerts. Robert always had a smile for Deb. We thank her so very much for her compassion for Robert.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lillian (Beardsly) Mickelson; two brothers, Leslie and Gary; sister-in-law Kathy; sister-in-law Denice; great-nephew Austin; many aunts and uncles; and in-laws Ed and Penny Heinz.
Robert is survived by his wife, Renee, of Greenwood; two brothers, Lester and Randy; two sisters, Lillian (Al) Wentzel and Donna (Dan) Baldwin; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his best friend for over 40 years, Keith Slaughter; Renee’s dear friend, Denice; and his angel on earth, Deb Thompson.
Funeral services for Robert Mickelson will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 15, at Torgerson’s Funeral Home in Black River Falls. Friends may call during visitation from 11 a.m. until the start of services. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Thank you to all the caregivers over the past 10 years at Country Terrace. Thank you to all those from Moments Hospice for their love, compassion, kindness, tenderness and patience.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to a Parkinson’s charity or to Moments Hospice in Robert’s names.
Parkinson’s is a disease that only “tough people” can handle.
Psalm 145:9 – “He is good to everyone and his compassion is intertwined with everything he does.”