Oliver Wesley Mickelson

MICKELSON, Oliver Wesley Born June 24, 1929 ~ February 18, 2026. Aged 96 years.

             Oliver was born June 24, 1929, at his family home, the youngest of seven children. He arrived so small that his first days were spent in a shoebox in the oven to keep warm, a tough start that shaped the kind of man he became. He attended Tummel Consolidated School No. 1319 through Grade 11 before stepping fully into work and farm life.

             He grew up with a deep love for the land and the rhythm of hard work. He farmed alongside his brothers in his early years, spent time working at Canada Packers in Winnipeg, and later returned home to continue farming with them. Farming shaped much of his life, and he approached it the same way he approached everything: patiently, practically, and without complaint. He especially loved working with his cattle, caring for them with the same steady attention he gave to all his responsibilities. When he was not working the fields or with cattle, he worked with numbers, spending years in bookkeeping and accounting where his steady mind and careful logic were just as valued as his strong hands.

             When health concerns required him to step back from full-time farming, Oliver chose to expand his skills by taking a bookkeeping course. He began doing bookkeeping for the United Church before working with H & R Block in Winnipeg. Returning closer to home, his steady mind and careful logic served him well at the local cement plant and later at Bunge, all while continuing to farm as he was able.

             On December 9, 1956, Oliver married Loretta Zimmer. They lived on the Kerr homestead, where they raised three children: Miles, Cheryl, and Myron. Over the years, Oliver and Loretta took in many foster children as well. They farmed there until 1974.

             Oliver believed most problems could be figured out. Whether repairing machinery, balancing books, or helping someone think something through, he stayed calm and focused until things made sense again.

             Beyond work, he found joy in simple pleasures. He followed baseball, rarely missed a good hockey game, and enjoyed a thoughtful game of chess where his quiet strategy often spoke louder than words. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humour, usually shared with a subtle grin and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

             His greatest pride was always his family. He was a steady presence for those who relied on him and a playful grandpa. He affectionately called his grandchildren and great-grandchildren "Sugar," a name that will always carry his voice with it.

             Oliver was predeceased by his beloved wife, Loretta, his son Miles, and his grandson Ryan. He is lovingly remembered by his children Cheryl (Fred) and Myron (Angela); his grandchildren Kimberly (Joseph), Ashley (Kevin), Sydney (Joseph), Haley (Brendan), Kylie (Kyan); his great-grandchildren Gianna, Emma, Lucy, Ryleigh, and Nathaniel; and his sister Gladys and many nephews, nieces, many cherished extended family and friends.

             Oliver taught us more than practical skills. He showed us how to think things through, speak kindly, laugh easily, and face life with steady strength. He lived with humility, dedication, and love, and that will not be forgotten.

             He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered

             A very special thank you to the home care nurses, nurses and healthcare aids, doctors and staff at the care home. We would also like to sincerely thank Marg West, staff at NairnChyz-Wolkowski Funeral Service and everyone who has supported us and Oliver over the past few years. If we have forgotten anyone, please know your kindness has meant more than we can say.

             A Private Family Interment was held at Tummel Deer Park Cemetery prior to the service. The Funeral Service was held Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., at the NairnChyz-Wolkowski Funeral Chapel in Roblin, Manitoba. Memorial Donations in memory of Oliver can be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

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