Robert “Bobby” J. Mickelson

Robert “Bobby” John Mickelson of Black River Falls, went to join his Lord and Savior in Heaven in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Country Terrace, his place of residence for the past 10 years.

Robert was born July 28, 1957, in La Crosse, the fourth son of Lester and Lillian Mickelson Sr. He graduated from G-E-T High School in 1977.

Robert met the love of his life, Renee Heinz, in 1985. They were wed May 2, 1987, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Black River Falls. With the guidance of Renee’s parents, they made their home at Elm St. Trailer Court Estates. They were very proud of being able to buy their own home.

Robert worked at HandiShop, Burnstad’s Grocery, and bagging Christmas trees at Waffles Tree Farm. Robert also enjoyed mowing lawns for his neighbors. Ed Heinz, Robert’s father-in-law, encouraged him to join the Knights of Columbus of which he became a very active member.

Robert enjoyed the trip to Branson, TN, with Renee and her parents. He also enjoyed his occasional trips to the casino.

When diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2004, Robert didn’t give up. He kept taking care of Renee, and mowing lawns for his neighbors. In 2015, it became too much for Renee and Robert to handle the Parkinson’s on their own. We, Leslie and Donna, decided to step in and help out. We got Robert moved into Country Terrace, and Renee moved to Greenwood by the guidance of her guardian. With the assistance of the Country Terrace staff, Robert was able to continue enjoying life.

Deb Thompson, Robert’s “companion”, took him on bus trips to dinner, theaters, and to the casino and concerts. Robert always had a smile for Deb. We thank her so very much for her compassion for Robert.

Robert is survived by his wife, Renee of Greenwood; two brothers: Lester and Randy; two sisters: Lillian (Al) Wentzel and Donna (Dan) Baldwin; sister-in-law, Alma Mickelson; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; his best friend for over 40 years, Keith Slaughter; Renee’s dear friend, Denice; and his angel on earth, Deb Thompson.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lillian (Beardsly) Mickelson; two brothers: Leslie and Gary; sister-in-law, Kathy; sister-in-law, Denice; and a great-nephew, Austin; also many aunts and uncles; and in-laws: Ed and Penny Heinz.

Funeral services for Robert were held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at Torgerson’s Funeral Home in Black River Falls. Friends could call during visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the start of services. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery.

Thank you to all the caregivers over the past 10 years at Country Terrace. Thank you to all those from Moments Hospice for their love, compassion, kindness, tenderness and patience. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to a Parkinson’s charity or to Moments Hospice in Robert’s names.

Parkinson’s is a disease that only “tough people” can handle.

“He is good to everyone and his compassion is intertwined with everything he does” ~ Psalm 145:9.