Born: Monday Dec-15-1941
Died: Wednesday Apr-17-2024
Funeral: Friday Apr-26-2024

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

A LIVE WEBCAST WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:https://youtu.be/o3Ptw-4IR7A

LARRY A. MICKELSEN
OAKLEY -Larry A. Mickelsen (82), of Oakley, Idaho, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on April 17, 2024.

He was born on December 15, 1941, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to parents Budge and Ruby Mickelsen. He was the oldest son, and had a sister and four brothers, whom he loved very much. The family moved to the Rupert Idaho area, and as a youth, he worked on the family farm, played basketball when he could, and attended Minico High School, graduating in 1960. After graduation, he went to Ricks College, and then came back home to work on the farm.

One of his favorite activities was bowling. He joined a few leagues at Rupert Bowl, and while he bowled, he flirted with the cute girl behind the snack counter. He and the cute girl, Linda Petersen, married in December 1965, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. They started on their Happily Ever After having six children: Tina, Nicki, Richard, Marci, Kyle, and Neil.

He was drafted into the Army and went to Germany for the first time, then was sent to Vietnam for a year. After Vietnam, he re-enlisted in the Army, served proudly and honorably, and retired after 22 years. Linda was proud to be an Army wife and raise their Army Brats wherever the military sent them. These bases included Ft. Lewis, Washington, Ft. Ord, California, Schweinfurt, Germany, Ft. Carson, Colorado, Neu Ulm, Germany, Ft. Gordon, Georgia, Wurzburg, Germany, and Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1989 in Tucson, Arizona. This retirement did not last long, as after a year, he went back to Germany as a military contractor in the Heidelberg area for another 10 years. After Heidelberg, they decided to go back to their roots and moved to Oakley Idaho, where the family had enjoyed many summer vacations with their Morrison cousins.

Although Larry was officially retired, he ran for and was elected to the Cassia County Office of the Clerk. Then, four years ago, he became the Mayor of Oakley. Afterwards, he decided he really was retired.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, from a youth basketball coach to Stake President of the Kaiserslautern Germany Military Stake. He loved serving in all our military branches, wards, and stakes. Our military friends became our family.

Larry impacted countless lives throughout his military and civilian careers and his faith community. He was a loving husband, supportive father, Opa, Opa-great, brother, uncle, and son.

Despite his seething hatred of traffic, red lights, trucks, cucumbers, and anyone playing against his beloved Atlanta Braves, he held a deep love for his family, friends, fellow Vietnam Veterans, his cat, and most especially, a sure and unwavering testimony and love of the gospel, and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Larry is survived by his bride, Linda, and children, Nicki Mickelsen, Richard (Cheri) Mickelsen, Marci (Michelle) Enochs, Kyle (Rachel) Mickelsen, Neil (Krista) Mickelsen, and kids-in-law, William Latimer, and Crystal Fawson as well as 19 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Tina, his parents, Budge and Ruby Mickelsen, a great-granddaughter, and his brother, David Mickelsen. We can also include many beloved dogs (“worthless wimps”), and cats (“brat kitties”).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Oakley Stake Center in Oakley with Bishop Alan Hale, officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakley Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard and the Mini-Cassia Veterans. The family will greet friends on Thursday Evening from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Oakley Stake Center in Oakley and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church prior to the funeral. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert.

A LIVE WEBCAST WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:https://youtu.be/o3Ptw-4IR7A

Condolences:

We are so sad to hear of Larry’s passing. He holds a very special place in our hearts. We pray for peace and comfort for the Mickelsen family. Love, Erin and Rich Jaynes

He was the best Bishop, Stake President, and friend – more than a brother. Our paths interconnected for 40 years; 15 of them in Germany when we were both soldiers. He loved his family, his country, his church and Oakley. He hated cucumbers and liked cats. So many years, so many memories. So long dear friend- see you in heaven...Scott Smith

To the dear family of our dear friend, our Bishop in Würzburg, Germany, our fellow Ordinance Worker in the Swiss Temple — we pray that your memories reflect on the joys of shared experiences when we celebrated jointly serving Him. Our prayers are that His peace will help fill in this great, but temporary, void created by Larry’s graduation from mortality. We will celebrate together once again when we embrace him at our own graduations. We have much to look forward to in the coming days. But today, we mourn...Rand & Sam Martel

So very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He always seemed to have a cheerful countenance. May our Lord and Savior give strength to grieving hearts because of His Atonement... Don Fawsonht

I am so sorry to hear about this loss. My thoughts are with the Mickelsen's as you navigate this difficult time. Wishing you strength and peace...Crystal Fawson

Sending all my love to a beautiful family who I just adore. Larry was a wonderful man who always had a big hug to give and a smile that would melt your heart. I will miss our Birthday wishes to each other, but most of all my friend. You are all so lucky to have had him in your lives and hearts . He loved you all so much. I pray I can be as strong as you Linda when time comes for me to face my challenges of life. You are truly the wife I hope to be to my husband. An angel for sure. God bless and I love you all. Diane Bell

So sorry, Linda and family. Loved seeing you in the Twin Falls Temple. We enjoyed coming out to Oakley to celebrate Valentines with you all. Larry was a big blessing to his Mother after his dad passed and helped to manage the farm. Larry was always so kind and the consummate host. His place was a favorite for the grandkids to enjoy. He loved their company. He had the perfect personality to be Oakley’s mayor. He will be greatly missed! Jay and Kila Mickelsen

I am sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I and my husband were so blessed to have him as a part of our lives. He was our Stake President in Germany. He was in our lives when we needed it most. He's such a spiritual man, but was also a joy to be around. Thank you for sharing your Husband and Dad with us all...Deanne Feik

To the Mickelsen family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you now. I remember your father/husband well as a kind and caring man. I know you’ll miss him, but I also know he’ll be watching over all of you until you meet again.
Much love...Cindy Markey Biddulph

From the first time we met Larry (riding a rollercoaster at Holiday Park) he has been a great friend and a big brother. Mike loved the time when he served as one of his counselors in Germany. He taught us so much and we will miss him so much. Our love and prayers to Linda and all the family. God bless you all...Mike & Edith Hanson

We are saddened by the passing of Larry and send prayers of comfort to the Mickelsen family and the many friends who share in the sorrow of his passing...Becky and Steve Christopher

So sorry for your loss he was a good man who served well everywhere. sending you love and prayers especially to you Linda. My mom Susan Hunsaker send prayers too...Heidi Robbins

My heart is with you all. Larry was my Bishop when I was born in Würzburg and stood in my prayer circle. He was an amazing Stake President as I grew up in Heidelberg. Our families gre so close over those years. Then as the circle completes he was able to stand in the prayer circle for my first born. The whole Mickelsen family were family to the Wilson family and we all are sending our love. Thanks for sharing your husband and father and grandfather with so many people who needed his love and wisdom and guidance and support. The world is certainly missing the wonderful soul Larry always was...Jennifer (Wilson) Go

Dear Linda and family,
My heart is aching tonight as I learned the news about Larry’s passing. I served as a missionary in the Wurzburg Serviceman’s Ward, Elder Nielson with Elders McGee and Trotter. I have always loved your family and have many happy memories of my time in your Ward. I only recently learned where you lived and was planning on stopping by for a visit. I’m sorry I missed him. What a wonderful man. What a wonderful family! I’m sending my deepest and sincere condolences and my gratitude for the lasting impressions your family made on me. I promise to stop by sometime for a visit. My oldest daughter lives in Kimberly with her family. May the Lord bless and comfort you all in this delicate time. Love and prayers...M. Kim Nielson

I and my family offer our love and sympathy for Larry and his family as you celebrate this wonderful cousin. Larry and I were good friends while we were younger during visits to Iona, ID that were only occasional, but very enjoyable. Being cousins was a joy and we were the same age with much in common. After Larry moved to Oakley with his family we did not have much communication, but I have followed his life with interest. Larry served in Germany. I served in Germany in 1961 and again in 2010. I regret that we never had the time to talk about these former times, but I know it would have been enjoyable and interesting. I am unable to attend the funeral, but send our condolences to all in his family as well as Uncle Budge and family... Dennis and DyAna Longhurst

Dear Linda and family we are so sorry for the loss. Larry was and is a great man a lot of fun to be around. I wish we could be there for the funeral, we are thank full we will be able to see it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...Love Lee R and Elnora

Heartfelt sympathy to you Linda for the loss of your husband. Deep love, family and memories will carry you through this hard time...Doris Haines