I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Mickelson's passing. I was a former student of hers at Douglas High School. I struggled with math greatly, and Dr. Mickelson wouldn't let me give up, and met with my mother and I. She kept her expectations high while encouraging me to continue in her course. She was and continues to be an inspiration to me. I have since gone into education myself, and am pursuing a doctoral degree. She was an excellent role model for young women and I am grateful for my time in education with her!

Posted by Colleen Daley on April 11, 2020

Dear Judy, Barbara, and Becky, I have many fond memories of Grandma Grace. I will always be grateful for the love she showed to her grandchildren. She remembered birthdays and other special occasions by sending cards, always with money. She shared her love of collecting by giving her Hummel collection, North American Indian artwork, and other Old West artifacts to those she loved. She was so knowledgeable about the history of the Black Hills. Spending time at her home was like a step back in time as she would share the history of her many extensive collections, particularly Old West books. Her accomplishments were many, but I will remember her for her strength, intelligence, and zest for life. She was a remarkable woman who I feel lucky to have known. She will be missed dearly by all!

Posted by Marilyn Belsheim on December 5, 2018

Barb, and family, we are so very sorry to hear the news of your Mother's passing. I hope you know how much she was respected and loved by so many people. She was one fantastic woman, both professionally and otherwise.You and I graduated from Central in 1972, and we went on to be roommates in our Freshman year at Univ. of SD. Also I can still remember sitting together in Jr. High in several classes. I always thought the world of you. I can still remember when Gary would come down to visit. I knew then that it seems like you two would always be together! Again, so very sorry for your loss, God bless you and your beautiful family.

Posted by Christine Soucy McCarty on December 4, 2018

Judy: I was so sorry to hear about your mom. Will be thinking about you in the days to come. Your mom was a great Math teacher. Take care of yourself.

Posted by Joan M Petersen on December 4, 2018

Judy, Barbara, Becky We are so sorry to hear of Grace's passing. She was an amazing lady who gave somuch to education and the community. I hope you all take comfort in the wonderful memories through her lifetime. Sorry we will not make it to the service as we are travelling on Wednesday to New Zealand. Know that we will be thinking of you all.

Posted by Colin and Becci Paterson on December 4, 2018

Judy Sorry to hear of your mothers passing.

Posted by gary hermanson on December 4, 2018

She was a demanding math teacher in 1962 for which I am grateful

Posted by Bob Borgmeyer on December 4, 2018

Judy, Barb, and Becky - we were so sad to hear about your mother’s passing. What an amazing woman she was - so much enthusiasm and determination in everything she undertook and succeeded in accomplishing. It was a privilege to have known her! I remember well how your family welcomed us to Rapid City when we moved there in 1968. Then I was awestruck that Grace led the teachers’ strike that September - only the first (in my experience) of many daring attempts that ultimately brought needed changes for our community, later our state, and eventually our country. Unfortunately, I will miss the memorial service as I am out of town. Please know that Perry’s and my thoughts are with you, as we all mourn her loss.

Posted by Perry and Mély Rahn on December 3, 2018

Judy, we are so sorry to hear about your mother. We all have memories of her from our school days and past reunions. Our thoughts are with you. Class of 1968

Posted by Mary Beth Johnson on December 1, 2018

Judy, your mother was one of two career women my mother admired tremendously. Sally Farrar who covered all things “school” for The Journal was the other. Grace Mickelson was a real character and trailblazer. You and she are in my prayers and I’ll offer up a remembrance of her in church, tomorrow. Now, crossing over the same day as George H.W.. Bush certainly would have cocked one of her eyebrows, I’m willing to bet.

Posted by Ned Leonard on December 1, 2018