Neils Mickelson, 80, died August 28, 2021, in Flagstaff AZ surrounded by his family.  He passed away following a courageous battle consequent to injuries sustained from a fall.

He was born June 26, 1941, in Flagstaff AZ to Ernest Lyman "Mick" Mickelson and Eugena "Jean" Miller Mickelson.

Neils graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1959 with honors.  He loved and played every sport, excelling in baseball.  Following graduation, he served a two- and one-half-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  After his mission he attended and graduated from Northern Arizona University with bachelor's and master's degrees in Education and completed work towards a PhD in Education.

He had a wonderful career as a beloved middle school science and Spanish teacher.  Following his retirement from teaching, he had a second successful career as a tax preparer and financial planner.

On June 12, 1964 he married his eternal companion, Darlene, in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed a wonderful life together for 57 years.  In 2005, they served a mission together in the Dominican Republic for their church.

Neils loved all things baseball, from playing to watching his children and grandchildren play.  He loved being outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, and working with the Youth Conservation Corps during the summers, spending time with his family, exploring the globe with his beautiful wife, and frequently enjoying a rousing game of solitaire on the computer.

He was intelligent, kind, hardworking, faithful, disciplined, honest, a great storyteller, and demonstrated great perseverance throughout his life.  He was tender-hearted and never afraid to shed a tear.

He was predeceased by Ryan Neils Mickelson (son) November 20, 1967, Gay Nell Mickelson (sister) 1982, and Mick Mickelson (father) October 28, 1992.

He is survived by his wife Darlene, his mother Jean, his children Pamela Hill (Thad), Kimberly Kastanek, Scott Mickelson (Cyndy), and Chad Mickelson (Torie); his grandchildren Seth Hill (Mikaela), Kurt Hill (Ashlee), Maddie Murri (Jared), Lindsey Andreason (Aedan), Alex Kastanek, Cassidy Carter (Ruger), and Tanner, Quinn; Ryan; Savana; and Hayden Mickelson; his beloved great-grandchildren Ezra Hill, Haley Hill, Amelia Murri and Lawson Carter; his brothers and sisters Harvey (JoAnn), Kay Jean, Joe, Jill (Jeff), and Pete (Janet).

There will be a viewing on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 7:00pm at Norvel Owens Mortuary.

Life Celebration and Services will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021, 10:00am at the Flagstaff Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 635 E. Cherry Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

He will be laid to rest at the Citizen's Cemetery in Flagstaff.