Christine “Chris” G. Mickelson

Entered into Eternal Life on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at age 76. Beloved wife of Steve for 26 years. Loving mother of Donnie Jr. (Brenda) Walsh, Jeff Walsh and Jenni (Wade) Waugus. Proud grandma of Travis Walsh, Holly Rupp, Jeff Rupp, Shannon Walsh and Donovan Walsh. Dear sister of Maryann, (the late Ginger), and Sandy. Also loved by many other family and friends.

Chris and her first husband took over ownership of the Blue Heron restaurant in Big Bend when Chris was only 20 years old. Chris was the head chef for over 20 years where she expanded her skills at cooking that she used throughout her life. She always enjoyed the compliments and thankfulness when she made a good meal for customers. The Blue Heron is still operating as a family run business which her oldest son, Donnie Jr.,  manages and operates.

Chris met her second husband, Steve, shortly after her first marriage had ended. They soon became inseparable always enjoying life together. They were married in September of 1995. Chris had a love for travel and often traveled with Steve for: long weekends at their NorthWoods cabin; traveling to visit her sister in California and stopping in Las Vegas before returning home; and other driving destinations both near and far. The most precious gift of all was time at home together with Steve having a glass of wine before dinner and telling each other about their day and preparing dinner together.

Chris loved to volunteer her service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Through the years she helped prepare and serve meals for many events large and small, answer phones in the office, help with after school daycare, serve on Parish Life committee, adoration committee, and serve the needy in the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Chris loved her children dearly, but had a special bond with her grandchildren. They were with Grandma and Steve often making forts with chairs and blankets, playing “hide the button” and playing outside. She loved road trips in Grandma’s van with the grandkids to Cave of the Mounds, cherry picking, strawberry picking, the circus, and the NorthWoods cabin.

As the grandkids grew up, Chris felt a need to care for small children again. The opportunity presented itself to help a family at Church who recently had quadruplets. Chris took the night shift several days per week from 10pm to 6am changing and feeding and caring so that Mom and Dad could sleep. Chris enjoyed providing this service for 3 full years and always insisted that she received more from giving this service than the parents received.

Chris went back to work in 2007 when the recession hit to help out with expenses. She spent 9 years working at the Big Bend Mobil providing a happy face and greeting to the customers. Chris retired in 2016 and became very active attending classes at the YMCA, participated in several bowling leagues, and continued her service at Church.

She is deeply missed by family and friends.

Visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church, S89 W22650 Milwaukee Avenue, Big Bend, Wisconsin on Thursday, March, 24, 2022, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM. Burial at Rural Home Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to either St. Joseph’s or St. Vincent De Paul.