LuVerne Wallace Mickelson, 82, died peacefully at his home in Austin, Minnesota, on Sept. 10, 2017.

Vern was born July 3, 1935, to parents Joseph and Marie (Peterson) Mickelson in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He attended elementary school in Albert Lea, junior high at District 90 rural school, and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1953. Soon after he joined the Army and was stationed in Europe for two years.

Vern returned to Albert Lea and worked at Farmstead for a few years before his career as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. During his retirement, he drove taxi in Albert Lea for a few years and was a greeter at the Austin Walmart for over five years.

On Aug. 20, 1997, he married Emerita Cabili in the Philippines and they made their home in Austin. His favorite hobbies included fishing, boating, and spending time at his cabin.

Survivors include Vern’s wife, Emmy; brother, Warren (Irene) Mickelson of Mankato, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Alice Mickelson of Denver, Colorado; nieces and nephews, Barbara (Tom) Guiney of Albert Lea, Carol (Steve) Manuel of Albert Lea, Laura Mickelson of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Kristine (Lee) Bohrer of Mankato, Todd (Debbie) Mickelson of Denver, Terry Mickelson (Jodee Pontarelli) of Denver, Joel (Kaye) Mickelson of Lakeville, Minnesota, and John (Sarah) Mickelson of Lakeville; and numerous great nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Emil Mickelson, Imogene Evenson, Gladys Mickelson in childhood, and Earl “Stanley” Mickelson; brothers-in-law, Earl Kast and Robert Evenson; sister-in-law, Joni Mickelson; and nephews, Elroy Kast, Jerome Kast, and Jeffrey Mickelson.

A graveside memorial service will be held for Vern at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, at the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery, Bath Township, rural Albert Lea. Directions from Albert Lea: Head north out of town on Richway Drive (County Rd 20) for about 10 miles. Turn right onto 315th Street and go a half a mile. The cemetery will be on the right. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea Area Veterans Organizations.