Kathy R. Mickelson

Kathleen Rose Mickelson (née Lettow)

Born into eternal life on Monday, February 16, 2026 at the age of 82 after a long battle against dementia. Kathy was the loving wife of the late Donald L. Mickelson for over 46 years, and the cherished mother of Laura (Glenn) Schrader, Donna Mickelson and Kris Mickelson. Beloved daughter of the late Norman and Dolores Lettow of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and dearly loved by sisters Mary (Jack) Duke and the late Barbara (Steve) Tasker.

Kathy was also the proud grandmother of Amanda (John) Thompson, Jessica (Bob) Larson, and Devin, Brandon, Brittany Snow, and grand-dogs Braun and Chloe. She treasured every moment with her adored great grandchildren Addison, Jacob, Joshua and Jordan. Kathy was also loved by nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many dear friends.

Kathy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while World War II was raging on in Europe. Her Dad, Norman, was drafted into the War, leaving Dolores with little Kathy to live with relatives. When the war ended and Norman returned home, the family was reunited and they moved to a neighborhood known as Northlawn. A devoted Catholic, Kathy was baptized at Holy Redeemer Church and attended St. Nicholas Parish and Grade School as did her sister Mary.

When Kathy was young, she was also a survivor of Polio. At one point she was told she might never walk again. She was determined (some might even say stubborn) and changed that fate, proving naysayers wrong.

Approaching high school age, Kathy didn’t want to go to the high school many went to in the neighborhood. She was resolute in going to Messmer High – a private Catholic school that costs money to go to. Things as they were back then after the war, she had to work and save at an early age to accomplish her goal – “determined” to attend Messmer High, which is where she graduated.

After high school, Kathy met a handsome young man in the Air Force by the name of Don, which turned into the love of her life, a marriage of over 46 years and three beautiful daughters in the mix. Together, they created a life full of love, laughter and lasting friendship for all of those around them.

Kathy was involved in many things over the years. Jobs at the local phone company, and oversaw the tax processors at H&R Block. After a nearly fatal incident with her granddaughter Amanda, due to a heart abnormality, Kathy dove into programs like Heartsavers AED program in 2003 and in 2005 the CPR/AED ADAM project, helping to increase awareness in schools, for parents and to reduce future risks to kids. She took part in post-polio group meetings, was involved in the Health Ministry within St. Bernadette Parish, bowling leagues, was known far and wide for her homemade Christmas cookies which she made for people by the hundreds, and the list goes on.

But one of her true passions was travel. Kathy and Don LOVED to travel. Whether it was family events at River Bend, traveling with Don’s siblings Doug and Susan, Ron and Alma, Judy and Ed, Pat and Jerry to Opryland, Gatlinburg, Reno, river cruises on the Mississippi, or to far away locations like the Panama Canal, England, Ireland, France, Germany or Prague with dear friends like Rick and Barb Simons, they were all in and ready to go….and now they’re in a heavenly place with other loved ones, missed but not forgotten, looking down and chuckling as they watch the rat race continue…..

Gathering will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53072 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.

No flowers or plants please.

If you want to make contributions, consider donations in Kathy’s name to:

The Alzheimer’s Association, Plant Memorial Trees, or any other charity of your choice.