Gordon Max “Doc” Mickelson, II was born June 1, 1948, in Jackson, Wyo. He was the third child and second son born to Gordon and Margaret Mickelson who were attending the University of Wyoming at the time. Gordon cherished his childhood on the family ranch in Big Piney and realized a love for the animals he took care of daily. He graduated from Big Piney High School in 1966. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1974 and from Kansas State University Veterinarian Program in 1982. Gordon began his vet practice in Platte, South Dakota, the following year when he purchased the Charles Mix Vet Clinic in that town. Dr. Mickelson managed his practice for many years and, in 1987, he ran a successful campaign and was elected as a representative to the South Dakota State Legislature where he served three, two-year terms.
In addition to his legislative service, Gordon was a 50-year member and three times past master of Big Piney Lodge No. 47, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and a member and Past Potentate of Korein Shriners. He was active in the Elks Club in Lander and the Community Congregational Church where he served as a deacon.
In 1992 he wound down his practice in South Dakota and returned to Wyoming. He went to work for the Riverton Livestock Auction, where he worked for several years as the head vet. On retiring from the sale barn he moved back to Big Piney and worked for a few ranchers in the area. He became one of the primary caregivers to his parents. He traveled with them for the next five years as they wintered in Mesquite, Nev., and summered in Big Piney. When the family ranch was sold in 2016 he moved to Lander with his parents and, after their deaths, he moved back to Big Piney, where he stayed until his death. Gordon loved spending time with his grandchildren as he traveled around visiting them and seeing the country. Of all the titles and honors he received, “Poppa Doc” was the one he most revered! He had nicknames for each grandchild and he made each one feel like they were the only one! They looked forward to his visits and phone calls, and could not help but laugh and smile when he was around!
Gordon is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Mae Mickelson of Big Piney and Al and Kate Gilchrist of Kemmerer, his parents, Gordon and Margaret, brothers Jim and Eric and sister, Margaret, as well as a great-nephew Gabriel Marcus Anderson. He is survived by his children Gordon Max (Darcie), Mollie Brooks (Dustin) and Matthew (Jenni), seven grandchildren: Emery, Ada Margaret, Nolan, Claire, Hudson, Mason and Marshall; two sisters and one brother: Corliss Carlson (Jay) and Mildred Abernathy (Tom) and Mark (Diane) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are planned for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 at the Plainview Cemetery in Big Piney followed by a light luncheon at the Masonic Hall in Marbleton. In lieu of flowers it was his request that donations be made to Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City.
