Craig Vernell Mickelson

BLACK EARTH - Craig Vernell Mickelson, age 80, of Black Earth, Wis., passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from injuries sustained in an accident. He was born on September 2, 1946, in Madison, Wis., to Merrill and Elizabeth (Schlub) Mickelson. He grew up on their family farm in Black Earth, the place he would call home for all 80 years of his life.

Craig was part of the first graduating class of Wisconsin Heights High School in 1965. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin Farm Short Course, where he studied dairy management. He later met Jane Cross, and the two were married on August 29, 1970, in Baraboo, Wis. Together, they built a life filled with family, farming, and many wonderful memories.

Farming was his passion and a big part of who he was. He loved caring for the animals, working the land, and carrying on the family legacy. He took great pride in the farm and the life he built there. His love for agriculture went beyond his own farm, as he also served on the Cenex board for many years. Craig had a special interest in the weather and kept track of the daily high and low temperatures, rainfall, and did so for the past 50 years. He loved sharing weather facts with family members, especially what the weather was like on the day they were born. It was one of those little things that made him special.

Outside of farming, he was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and loved watching Wisconsin Badger basketball and attending Badger football games. He looked forward to taking long drives while listening to polka music, and going to polka dances with Jane. He also loved traveling, especially their annual trips to Branson, where they enjoyed comedy shows, music, and plenty of laughs. Animals always held a special place in his heart. In recent years, he enjoyed the addition of Highland cattle and donkeys to the farm. He loved seeing the smiles these animals brought to visitors. His faithful farm dogs, Cooper and Daisy, were his constant companions and held a special place in his heart.

Above all, he loved his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always looking for a way to make someone laugh. Family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays were always a little more fun when he was around. His strong work ethic, love for his family, and ability to bring a smile to others will always be remembered. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will miss him dearly.

Craig is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his daughters, Julie (Zach) Zeimet and Sara (Aric) Amble; his grandchildren, Ashley (Luke) Thronson, Cole Rickey, Dylan Rickey, Cody Amble, Hailey Amble, Taylor Zeimet and Jack Zeimet; his great-grandchildren, Kason Thronson and Rhett Thronson; his siblings, Judi (Neil) Baxter, Carol (his twin sister), Donna, David (Deb) and Gary “Yogi” (Phyliss) Mickelson; his extended family, including Ann (Dave) Eschenbach, Clyde (Ann) Cross, Dick (Carla) Cross and Casey (Gary) Dobson; and close family friends, Joe and Denise Henningfield. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kristen; infant son, Brian; his parents, Merrill and Elizabeth; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clyde and Helen Cross; his brother-in-law, Frank; and several aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held at VERMONT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 9886 Vermont Church Road, Black Earth, at 12 noon on Monday, November 2, 2026, followed by a luncheon. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Black Earth
Funeral & Cremation Care
1710 Center St.
(608) 767-3684