Florence Mikkelson, 85, Breckenridge, MN, died Thursday, December 1, 2005, at St. Francis Healthcare Campus, Breckenridge, MN.
She was born December 23, 1919, to Alister and Gerda (Larson) McAloney in White Rock, South Dakota. She grew up and attended school in White Rock, Wheaton and Breckenridge, and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1937. Florence then attended the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. She was employed as a secretary by the Minnesota State Highway Department, Detroit Lakes, where she worked for three years. On November 20, 1941, she married Richard Mikkelson. They made their home in Breckenridge and were a devoted couple for sixty years.
Most of Florence's life revolved around her family. After her mother entered the St. Francis Home, Florence visited her every day. She was exceptionally close to her two brothers, her sister and their spouses; and Florence and Richard spent several winters with
"the McAloney's" in Mesa, Arizona, in addition to family gatherings in Breckenridge and at Ottertail Lake.
Florence was a devoted wife and mother, and an excellent homemaker. Like many women of her generation she was a "stay at home mom" whose hobbies and interests were centered on home and family. Florence enjoyed raising flowers and she and Richard kept their home and yard immaculate. As a young mother she was a Cub Scout Den Mother. Over the years she followed every sport, concert, play or other activity her boys participated in. She delighted in her children's friends. She supported her husband's love of golf and proud of his carving. She enjoyed her nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Having lost her infant daughter, she felt blessed to finally have three wonderful daughters-in-law. She thought the world of her five grandchildren, lamenting only that they lived "too far away." Several years ago, when asked how she wanted to be remembered she wrote, "I want my family to remember me for being a good mother; how I loved all of you, you were my life." Her family does remember her as a wonderful, giving mother. They miss her but will always carry her love with them.
Florence's other passion was her church. Florence's faith was strong but private; she read her Bible faithfully, was a prayerful person, and cared for others. She was devoted to Breckenridge Lutheran, where Richard had been a charter member. Florence was active in a BLW Circle and in other church groups for over half a century. She loved her friends in the church, the many pastors and the lovely sanctuary. She made it clear that she wanted to live out her last years in Breckenridge and near her church.
Florence is survived by: Her sons, Richard, Jr. (Susan) Mikkelson and their children, Christian and Jon, Plattsburgh, NY; Bruce (Gwen) Mikkelson, Bismarck, ND, and their child, Amy (Shane) Splonskowski, Highlands Ranch, CO; Kris (Jennifer) Mikkelson, and their children, Kristina and Kalyn, Littleton, CO; her brother; Wally (Trudy) McAloney, Peoria, AZ; many nieces and nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.
Florence was preceded in death by: Her husband, Richard Mikkelson; her parents, Alister and Gerda (Larson) McAloney; her infant daughter, Linda Kay; her brother, Raymond McAloney; her sister, Pearl Gilyard; her brother-in-law, Ben Gilyard; her sisters-in-law, Marcella McAloney and Trudy McAloney.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Breckenridge Lutheran Church.
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