David A. Mickelson, age 88, of Twin Valley, passed away peacefully at the Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen, MN on Monday, October 24, 2022. Born December 6, 1933, at home on the family farm in Twin Valley, he was the fourth child of Roy and Helen (Johnson) Mickelson. He attended first through eighth grade at the country school and graduated from Twin Valley High School. Following his graduation, David worked for a couple of years in the area before enlisting in the United States Army in 1954. He was stationed in Germany serving as a paratrooper, until his honorable discharge in April 1957. 
On January 3, 1959, David married Coleen Saker in Twin Valley. The couple celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year. He worked as a truck driver for a few years before returning to the family farm in Twin Valley, where he farmed and had dairy cattle with his brother, Paul. David dutifully served on the Soil and Water Conservation Board for many years and was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. He enjoyed woodworking projects, playing cribbage with family and friends, coffee hours at the Cenex, and celebrating at the annual “Mickelfest” reunions. David and Coleen also enjoyed many summers on Tulaby Lake at their family cabin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law: Thomas, Rome (Betty), Paul (Evie), Carol Saker, and Janice Mickelson; and his son, Danny.
David is survived by his wife of 63 years, Coleen; daughter, Kari (Claude) Oppegard, son, Bryan (Trudy) Mickelson, and daughter, Connie (Stewart) Purrington; his grandchildren: Emily (Mike) Bormann, Ashley (Andy) Larson, Andrew (Kayla) Oppegard, Kayla (Nate) Bence, Heidi (Greg) Haglund, Alissa Purrington, Terryl Mickelson, and Cheyenne Mickelson; six great-grandchildren: Dayton, Rowan, Addison, Lennon, Camden, and Alivia; his sister, Colleen (Dennis) Volden; one brother, Roy Chandler Mickelson; and two brothers-in-law, Roger (Diana) Saker and Lyle Saker; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
The family wants to send their heartful thanks to the staff at Viking Manor in Ulen and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their care and compassion this past year. A Funeral will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, MN on Friday, October 28, 2022, at 2:00pm, with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.
