Merrilee June Mickelson

With deep love and gratitude, we honor the life of Merrilee June Mickelson, who passed peacefully on November 9, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. Merrilee's life was a tapestry of devotion to her family, unwavering kindness, and a quiet resilience that guided her through a century of change, growth, and meaningful experiences. A funeral service was held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Interment at the Freeman Cemetery in Freeman, MO.

Merrilee grew up on the farm just south of Archie. She began school at the age of four and often walked with her brothers and sisters down the railroad tracks to get there. She loved school, especially reading and spelling. She could recite nursery rhymes from the 1920s without hesitation and recalled songs her father used to sing and dance a jig to. Her memory remained sharp her entire life.

She spent 38 years teaching in the Freeman/Cass Midway school district. Teaching came naturally to her - it was something she truly enjoyed. One of her most cherished memories was graduating from CMSU with her master's degree on the same day her son, Kent, received his bachelor's degree.

Merrilee also left her mark on the basketball court. In the mid-1940s, she coached girls' basketball in Freeman, and according to her - and the scorebooks she kept - her teams were nearly undefeated every year.

After retirement, Merrilee and her husband Marvin (Jr.) began collecting antiques. They bought one of the oldest two-story homes in Freeman and filled it with their finds. Antiques became her passion. She loved attending auctions, and when her son began his auction business, she spent the next 30 years working alongside him. There was never a piece of furniture too heavy for her to move.

But Merrilee's greatest joy was being a grandmother. She and Jr. rarely missed a game, concert, school play, or event. If two grandchildren had activities at the same time, they simply split up to make sure someone was always there. She spent countless evenings helping with book reports,

memorizing lines for school programs, and cheering from the sidelines - always present, always proud. In fact, Jerod spent so much time at her house that Kent eventually had to start paying him just to stay home for the night.

Merrilee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin Mickelson, Jr.; her parents, Mary and Alonzo Mawson; and her siblings: Alvin "Pete" Mawson, William Mawson, Dorothy VanSandt, and Marjorie Burch. She is survived by her children: Kent Mickelson (Cherry) and Kathy South (Ralph). She was a cherished grandmother to: Cory Mickelson of Palmyra, PA; Melissa Piper (Alejandro) of Raymore, MO; Jerod Mickelson (Jessica) of Macungie, PA; Merrilynn Cage of Belton, MO; and Chaz Cage (Kayla) of Dayton, MO. She also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us."

Rest peacefully, Merrilee. Your love, your lessons, and your light will continue to guide us.