Erik Mickelsen

Erik Mickelsen 82, of Lewistown, loving father, husband and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday July 26^th, 2020 of natural causes. Erik was born March 26^th, 1938 in Milwaukee, WI to Gunnar and Esther (Shain) Mickelsen. Erik moved with his family to Montana in 1947 where he worked on the family ranch throughout his life. Erik attended Fergus High School where he excelled in academics and his passion for the arts. He sang with the Fergus County High School Choralaires where he performed in many different venues. Erik was class president of his Senior class at Fergus. He took part in several plays and had acted the lead role in his senior years production.

He won many top academic awards including a special citizenship award when he was in grade school. Erik received full scholarships to Dartmouth and Brigham Young but after a short time went on to pursue his acting and musical passions graduating from the Pasadena Playhouse.

Erik was an accomplished artist of many forms. He designed and executed amazing landscaping and architectural designs. He had several showings of his multiple kinds of expressions across the states including the Lewistown Art Center. One of his many passions was singing, playing the guitar and piano of which, he was classically trained. Erik was jack of many trades including Radio, and was an Announcer for KXLO. Eric was an avid Rancher, horseman and shootist. He trekked all over the state including the Bob Marshall wilderness. His travels took him all over the world. He worked on Transatlantic crossings on Liberty ships delivering goods back and forth to Europe and backpacking around with his older brother.

Eric suffered for many years with mental illness, which hindered some of his aspirations. Even throughout his struggles many of his accomplishments can still be seen and felt.

Erik was loved and admired by many for his truly gentle and kind spirt. We will miss you always.

Erik is survived by his wife Tina Mickelsen (Pitch), daughter Keri (Jeremiah) Ames of Lewistown, MT, sons Shane (Angie) Mickelsen of Billings, MT and John Mickelsen of Missoula, MT; brothers Peter (Nancy) Mickelsen of Lewistown, MT and Michael (Judy) Mickelsen of Waltham, MA; grandson Jackson Ames of Lewistown MT and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Esther and Gunnar Mickelsen, his aunt/uncle Anna Marie and John Gibbs, his aunt Beverly Shain, his cousin Alden (Snoop) Mikkelsen, his uncle/aunt Asgar & Ebba Mikkelsen, his aunt/uncle Bitte & Ola Skaarup as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a memorial picnic at the ranch to celebrate Erik's life at a later date. Cremation has taken place with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the charity of their choice and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.