Laura Rose (Mickelson) Robbins
January 26, 1910 – December 4, 1990

Laura Rose Mickelson entered the world on January 26, 1910, in Pipestone, Minnesota as the third child to Neils Laurtz (Louis Nels) Mikkelsen and Pearl (Pittman) Mickelson. Louis’ origins trace back to Sund, Nordland, Norway, and her mother’s family was from Whiteside, Illinois. Laura's father was born January 27, 1882, while her mother's birth date is recorded as October 20, 1889.

Growing up, Laura was surrounded by a large family with eight siblings: Mary Louise (Tootsie), Floyd LeRoy, Viola Virginia, Norman Palmer, Iver John, Geraldine Mae, and Richard Dean. Unfortunately, she had a sister that passed away just one day after being born on December 30, 1906. After her birth, the family moved to Garretson, SD and lived there until she completed the 4th grade. They then moved to Bushnell, SD where she completed the 10th grade. Her father ran the Bushnell Garage, and Laura worked there in her teens.

On February 6, 1928, Laura married Willis Norman Robbins in Watertown, South Dakota. They made their home just north of Bushnell, SD where Willis farmed and raised sheep, hogs, and cattle. Together they welcomed two children into their lives: Darlene Della and Delbert Leroy. Her son Delbert enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and she wrote many letters to him letting him know the happenings around Bushnell and White, SD. Darlene married Lloyd Zweep on August 28, 1955 and they had three children: Mark, Dale, and Lisa. Delbert returned from the Navy and farmed with his father. He married Joanne McMillan on April 14, 1957 and they had four children: Jeffery, Michael, Patrick, and Kathy.

Laura's journey came to an end on December 4, 1990, when she passed away at the age of 80 from Parkinson's disease. Her final resting place is Greenwood Cemetery in Brookings, South Dakota.