Janet Mickelson

Janet M. Mickelson, 90, formerly of Two Harbors, died Monday, May 11, 2026 at Franciscan Health Center in Duluth.

She was born May 4th, 1936 to Arthur and Anna (Dahl) Udenberg in Two Harbors where she grew up and attended school. A member of the class of 1954, she always looked forward to class reunions. She worked at Carlson's Apparel as a teenager. She started working at Goldfine's in 1967 and the family moved to Duluth in 1969. She loved selling furniture and helped with the decorating of the Villas at Spirit Mountain. Her life took a tragic turn after being hit by a drunk driver in 1975 and she sustained life-changing injuries. She lived life with strength, a good attitude, and never complained. After a long recovery, she could no longer tolerate the long hours on her feet and she retired from the job she loved. This gave her more time to volunteer at her church for the kitchen and other events and she also delivered Meals on Wheels.

Janet was a lifelong member of the Moose and Legion and was on the VFW Ladies drill team in the mid-60s which won several state championships. In her younger years, she enjoyed curling and dancing, and later watching and playing golf, traveling, and sailing with her husband John on the ore boats. She also loved spending time with her family at her cabin on Amnicon Lake. She was very proud of her Norwegian Heritage and attributed her strength to being a " tough Norwegian.”

There are many words to describe our beautiful Mom. She was easy going, kind, hard-working, patient, strong, generous to a fault, and fun to hang with. She loved her kids and grandkids, always making the trips to North Dakota for all their special occasions. She would always be there for us if we needed her. She was deeply loved and will be missed always.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Don Udenberg and Larry Udenberg; her grandson, Zachary Mulder; and stepchildren, Mary, David, and Susie Mickelson.

She is survived by her children, Cindy Hanson, David Pearson, Mark Pearson, Amy Jo Pearson, Crystal (Marty) Mulder, and Valerie (Gary) Jerome; 11 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter; stepchildren, Bill (Peggy) Mickelson, Rick (Shelly) Mickelson, Julie Tarro; a brother, Dave (Mary) Udenberg; a sister, JoAnne Turnquist;  and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Two Harbors Community Center. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Two Harbors. To share a memory or leave an online condolence visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.