Opal R Mickelsen

Opal R. Mickelsen, age 100, died on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Centralia Providence Hospital. From her birth in Superior, Nebraska, on October 27, 1918 to her death on Tuesday, she nourished people around her with love, faith, and music. She was an avid baker and jokester. She even baked twelve apple pies in one day. She grew up on a farm in Jordan, Montana with her parents Eva and James Matheson and was the only living child. At the age of two, she was raised by her Aunt Vira Serviss and fondly recalled learning to ride a horse at a very early age. She grew up in a one-room schoolhouse, which is where she developed her passion for teaching. She attended McPherson College in Kansas and earned her teaching credentials. Following her training, she began her career teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in Montana. She taught for 16 years in various locations including Randle and Vader. She also taught Sunday school at the Lutheran church in Winlock for many years, as well as Salkum Community Church. She married Robert Westcott in 1946. Opal later married Douglas Mickelsen in 1959. They were happily married for 21 years. Left to honor Opal and remember her love is her daughter, Danice Ziese & Son-in-Law, Ron Ziese, two grandchildren; Brian & Heather Ziese; and many adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Opal was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Emmeret, and husband, Doug. Opal 'Grandma Mick' will be remembered as a bright, shining light in the various communities and churches she served. She volunteered at God's Closest in Salkum for over 20 years. As per her wishes, the graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Winlock Cemetery, 407 Cowlitz Rd. Winlock, WA 98596. After the services (Noon) a friends and family gathering will take place at Winlock MS.

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