Loretta Mickelson

MICKELSON, Loretta Born November 25, 1940 – July 3, 2023 Aged 82 years.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Loretta Mickelson announces her passing. Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister left us for heaven at the age of 82, on July 3rd, 2023 at the Roblin and District Health Center after a short battle with cancer.

Loretta Christine was born on November 25, 1940 in Shevlin, Manitoba to Frieda and Emil Zimmer. She was the third born out of five children. Days on the farm were spent doing chores and housework, not leaving much time for fun and games. When the children weren’t milking the cows or moving the cattle to pasture, feeding the chickens, or cleaning the house from top to bottom they spent time going to town or swimming. She worked hard all of her life.

On December 9th, 1956 Loretta married Oliver Mickelson. They lived on the Kerr homestead in Roblin for a number of years, welcoming three children while they were there; Miles, Cheryl and Myron. They farmed until 1974. Over the years she took in many foster children as well.

Loretta devoted her various careers to helping others. She was employed as a waitress in

Roblin, worked at the Roblin Hospital as a nurse’s aide and in the kitchen, she drove an ambulance, and her favorite job of all was working in home care.

She was a caretaker, always putting others first. It wasn’t out of the ordinary to find Loretta outdoors. She loved gardening and yard work. Keeping the yard looking immaculate was very important to her. She had lots of other interests that included reading, baking, listening to music and entertaining guests. She loved preparing meals, always making sure there was more than enough for everyone. Anyone who came over to the house was always welcomed in for a meal or a cup of coffee.

Everyone who knew Loretta soon noticed her quick-witted humor. She was honest, and her tell-it-how-it-is personality was adored by many. It was rare to see Loretta sitting still. She was always busy with something and didn’t believe in relaxing too much.

            Throughout her last four weeks in the hospital, she was never alone; always surrounded by her loved ones. She was very proud of her family and loved them all very much. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Although she is no longer with us in body, her light shines through each of us.

            Loretta is predeceased by her parents Frieda and Emil Zimmer, son Miles, brothers Orland, Ed, and Ron, and grandson Ryan. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Oliver; son Myron, daughter Cheryl (Fred), siblings Ken (Wilma), Joan, Don (Wanda), Gladys; granddaughters, Kimberly (Joe), Ashley (Kevin), Sydney, Haley (Brendan), Kylie; and great-grandchildren Gianna, Emma, Ryleigh and Nathaniel.

            Loretta will be lovingly remembered by many extended family and friends. We would like to thank the staff at the Roblin District Health Center for their outstanding care and compassion over the last few weeks.

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