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Obituaries from the week of May 6, 2009

Scott McCoy, 20

Scott Patrick McCoy, left us unexpectedly Sunday April 26th, 2009, appropriately while playing sports.  He was born 1 hour and 20 minutes before his twin brother Christopher Ryan on June 9th, 1988 at McCall Memorial Hospital.  Scott is survived by; his mother Debbie (Bartlett), father Mike, older brother Tim and wife Stephanie, older sister Jessie, barely younger twin brother Chris, grandmother Harriett McCoy, grandmother Johanna Bartlett, nephew Joey, and lots of uncles, aunts, and cousins.  There are really too many people who loved and were loved by Scott to list, but they are all important to our family, and we thank you all for your kindness.  Scott was born and raised in McCall, and graduated from McCall-Donnelly High School. 

From the third grade on he was an avid football player, first with Optimist, then later lettering his last three years of High School. He had a very low tolerance for bullies in sports as many underclassmen could attest to. He also lettered four times as a Varsity wrestler beginning his freshman year; and lettered in Track, running the 200 and 800.  As if all the sports didn’t take enough effort, Scott lettered in Band every year of high school as a clarinet player, and took part in high school plays, as well as community theatre productions. 

Young Life was also an important part of Scott’s life, attending youth group regularly, and going to camp with his local chapter.  While all of his activities may not have led to Scott being Valedictorian, his teachers remember him as a sweet, intelligent young man.  It would be impossible to remember Scott without picturing his crazy hair, both on head and face.  He was born with a prominent cowlick, which may have come in handy for telling him and Chris apart, but proved difficult for styling.  Then puberty hit, and with it the goatee that would never leave his chin, no matter how much we may have teased him.  Scott Patrick McCoy was a kind, loving young man, born without a mean bone in his body and was loved and will be missed by many.  Funeral services were held Friday May 1st, 2009, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in McCall, Idaho.  A reception was held afterwards at Northfork Lodge at the McCall RV Park.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Scott’s name to the local food bank.   He lived out loud and he laughed a lot!!

 

Beatrice Mickelson, 100

Beatrice Mickelson age 100 of Tracy, MN passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at her home with her son by her side.  Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy, Minnesota.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at the Ellsborough Cemetery in Balaton, MN.  The Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences may be placed at www.almliefh.com

Beatrice Mickelson was born on June 17, 1908, on a farm near Fountain, Minnesota.  She graduated from Chatfield High School, went on to Normal School and became a teacher in area schools.  She often spoke about her life growing up on the farm, and her special relationship as a young assistant to her father.  She was an avid cross-country skier and a fan of the early automobiles and airplanes.  She met her future husband, LeRoy, through her college room-mate, LeRoy’s sister Evelyn, and they were married in 1939.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and continued to teach until her retirement from the Balaton School district.

Beatrice enjoyed her teaching career, with mathematics and English being her favorites.  She was a master of the Palmer method of handwriting and a true connoisseur of perfect grammar and spelling.  She even held English classes at home for her son, Lanny, who recalls those days with great fondness.  Beatrice and LeRoy were members of Tracy Lutheran Church for 60 years and served in various roles; she being a Sunday School teacher for 25 years.  Beatrice had many life long passions.  With LeRoy and Lanny, she spent every summer traveling throughout the U.S. and used those experiences to teach geography.  Gardening was a summer favorite; reading and collecting information was of great importance.  She was versed on many subjects, from the medical to astrology, and healthful living.  Beatrice was famous for her woodworking skills, operating power tools with only casual guidance from LeRoy.  With a router, planer, and table saw, she fashioned kitchen cupboards, tables, and buffets.  And Bunco with the ladies was a real affair for years.

Beatrice passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at her home with her son Lanny by her side at the age of 100.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy in 2007, and an infant son in 1943; her parents and two sisters.  She is survived by her son, Lanny, of San Diego, CA; two sisters and two brothers, several nieces and nephews; and by special family friend, Alise Creque, of Las Vegas, NV.

“Mother was an adventuresome spirit, full of humor and quick wit.  She always enjoyed sharing her thoughts on style, behavior, and health, and was the most remarkable teacher of my life.”

-Lanny Mickelson