Kristy Ann Mickelson

***The service will be happening as scheduled at 1:00 today. Please watch the livestream at https://www.facebook.com/SalemHitterdal/.

Kristy (Dahl) Mickelson, better known as Kris, was born on May 17^, 1952, also known as Norwegian Independence Day, which she loved reminding you of. She was born to Kembel (Bud) and Mary Lou (McKee), the oldest of 5 children. Her 4 sisters were Vicky, Sherry, Michele, and Janice.

Kris attended school in many towns as her dad was a Superintendent. She started her education in Braddock, ND, grades 1-3; Flasher, ND grades 4-7; Colfax, ND (Richland 44) 8-Junior year and Fairview, MT, her Senior year where she graduated. In school Kris was active in cheerleading, choir, band, and 4-H, and when she became an adult and a parent these traits shined through for her children and her community. She was always willing to help with whatever was being done in her community to help make it a success. Her energy will be greatly missed.

Kris attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, MT, where she graduated with a degree in elementary education. She taught school in Sidney, MT and Watford City, ND before she found the love of her life, Keith Mickelson. They were married April 17, 1978, in Luverne, ND at her mother’s hometown church. To this union two children were born to make the circle complete, Kyle and Kemberly.

With her cowboy Keith by her side, she built a beautiful family. Kris was deeply proud of her daughter Kemberly, and her son Kyle, and the lives they have built with their own families. She never missed the opportunity to brag up her grandkids’ accomplishments, attending every game, meet, and rodeo that she possibly could. She glowed the most when she talked about those that she loved. That love extended to many, many non-biological ‘children’ that will forever know her as Momma Kris. She took in everyone, loved without judgment, and always made everywhere she was feel like home.

Kris had an unbridled and unmatched passion for NDSU Bison, their football program, and Team Makers Organization. She attended every fundraising event she possibly could and turned every Bison football game into a holiday-like event. She was able to contribute building a unique love for NDSU, and boost morale through an athletic events program, Upward Bound, by bringing high school students to their first ever college football game. Kris truly spread her passion of our green and gold over many generations to our local youth. If there is a Bison fan club in heaven, she is already asking our good Lord if she can become its new president.

The career she excelled at was within the TRIO Program at North Dakota State University. While working in this field, she collaborated with local high schools identifying students who wanted to attend college but often had too many obstacles in their way. Kris immersed these high-risk kiddos in relationship building activities and provided them with college-based experiences which instilled an even greater desire for them to plan their futures in post-secondary education.

She leaves behind a loving husband Keith, son Kyle (Nancy) Mickelson, daughter Kemberly (Brandon)Shipman, grandchildren Jayde and Josh Haugrose, Chance Mickelson, Mya, and Wren and 2 great grandchildren Wyatt and Lainey Haugrose;  2 sisters, Vicky (Terry)Cayko and Janice (Bruce)Freeberg; nieces and nephews, Jacquelyn (Chris) Free, Jessica (Jason) Cayko, Brian Cox, Michael (Andrea) Dinkel, McKenna Dinkel, and Sean (Laura)Freeberg and  numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kris was preceded in death by her parents Kembel (Bud)Dahl, Mary Lou (McKee)Dahl, sisters Sherry and Michele, and 2 nephews, McHenry Dinkel and Jason Cayko.

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 21, 2022, at 1:00 P.M., with visitation for one hour before the service, at Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN. In honor of Kris, please wear your Bison gear (green and gold) to the service. There will be a livestream of the service here at 1:00 on Monday, February 21st, for those unable to attend in person.