Marlys Mickelson, 94, formerly of Owatonna

It is with great sadness and affection that we announce the passing of Marlys Mae Mickelson, age 94, formerly of Owatonna.

Marlys, the eldest of 10 siblings, was born Nov. 25, 1928, in Noonan, N.D. She graduated high school in Lily, S.D., in 1946, and was married to Phillip Arthur Mickelson for 71 years, until his passing in 2021.

Marlys’ early married years were spent in eastern South Dakota. The couple moved to Minnesota in 1959, where they raised two sons, Mark and Monty, living first in Winona, then moving to Owatonna in 1965.

Marlys sustained an avid interest in state and local politics throughout her life. At age 19, she served as Secretary of the Day County, S.D., Democratic Party. Beginning in 1979, Marlys worked for the Independent Republican caucus at the State Capitol in St. Paul, for seven consecutive legislative sessions. Additionally, she worked as both a paid staffer and a volunteer for several political campaigns—most notably for Cal Ludeman’s two gubernatorial runs in the 1980s. Marlys also served as an election judge at Steele County precinct polling locations for more than 30 years.

Marlys’ activism and civic involvement was most evident in her three-decade campaign to provide a municipal water park, and an Olympic-sized outdoor pool in Owatonna. She served for several years on the Aquatic Center Steering Committee. Her promotional efforts culminated in the passage of a bond issue, and in the eventual construction of the Owatonna Aquatic Center, which opened in 2009.

Marlys also lent her time and her boundless vitality to several local and regional nonprofits, including the Steele County Food Shelf, Meals on Wheels, The Owatonna Arts Center, and the Homestead Hospice House. Her abiding influence, and commitment to her community were officially recognized in 2017, when at age 89, Marlys was given the Pioneer Woman Award by the Owatonna Business Women.

In her award presentation, Jennifer Frazier said: “Over the last several decades, (Marlys) has impressively cultivated a flexibility to respond to an ever-changing environment for women, juggling a family and motherhood, professional work and civic stewardship…Marlys recognizes the need for positive role models in our community. She is one who believes everyone needs a chance and a champion. She is an inspiration, and helps others feel as though they are part of something greater.”

An avid cyclist, Marlys recruited and rallied a group of bicycling friends into a club aptly titled “The Weakenders.” The Weakenders served as both an exercise and a social community for some 35 years. Marlys’ lifelong interest in bicycling led to a self-published guidebook, Biking in Vikingland. Featuring easy-to-follow trail maps, and laced with Marlys and Phil’s descriptive prose, Biking in Vikingland sold more than 50,000 copies and went through five printings. Marlys also published Seat Yourself, a directory of seating charts of Twin Cities entertainment venues that sold briskly as well.

Marlys is survived by her sons, Mark (residing in Eloy, Ariz.), Monty (of Portland, Ore.), daughters-in-law Cathy and Anastasia, and by two grandsons, Anders and Tobias.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Owatonna Foundation. Internment, and a private ceremony will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul.