Gary Allen Mickelson

GARY ALLEN MICKELSON April 17, 1957 – October 11, 2016         Gary Allen Mickelson, age 59, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Fargo, ND, peacefully entered Heaven following a hard fought battle with life-long diabetes, on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at the Sanford Health Medical Center in Fargo, with his loved ones at his side.       Gary was born in Fargo, ND on April 17, 1957 to Dale and Darlene (Hanson) Mickelson.  He attended Catholic Parochial Schools until graduating from the Shanley Catholic High School in Fargo with the Class of 1975 and went on to attend North Dakota State University.  Gary began a 12 year long career working for the General Nutrition Corp., first working in sales and working his way up to serving as District and later Regional manager for the company.  Later he worked in setting up and managing Holiday and Cenex Convenience Stores until his deteriorating health forced him into early retirement.  Gary enjoyed learning about computers and using them to their fullest potential.  He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed spending time at area lakes and at Itasca State Park.  He also enjoyed taking photographs of nature, spending countless hours getting the right angle and taking the best picture possible.  He was very proud of his son, Jacob and enjoyed following him throughout his middle and high school years of playing football and baseball for Park Rapids Public Schools.       Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 37 years, Patricia Ann and his son, Jacob Mickelson both of Park Rapids; his mother, Darlene Mickelson of Fargo; his two brothers: Greg (Shannon) Mickelson of West Fargo, ND and Curtis (Michelle) Mickelson of Leonard, ND; his sister, Vicky (Lowell) Matthys of West Fargo; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.       Gary was preceded in death by his father, Dale in 1974.       Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo, ND with Father  Tom Friedl officiating.  Visitation will be held for one-half hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM and a coffee hour will follow services at the church.   Visitation will also be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, October 17, 2016 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.  A Prayer Service will be held at 7 PM with Deacon John Zinniel officiating.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.