Matthew Gerald Mickelson

Matthew Gerald Mickelson was born on the day the flags were out (June 14, 1997). For most of his life he would hope it was his birthday every time he saw the flags out for a holiday.

He was a delightful and mischievous little boy. He loved to follow his brothers and sisters everywhere they went. When he couldn’t keep up, one of them would help pack him along on their adventures.

Matthew loves animals. One of his favorite things to do was go to the zoo. He especially loved the lions and the other big cats. In the last few years, he always wanted to invite cousins or friends from church to go with him.

He also had an incredible imagination which made life very interesting for his family. He always had an imaginary friend or pet around. For several years, Matt has loved dragons. He has had a “dragon egg” and has claimed that any day it is going to hatch. He often made plans and asked questions about where he would keep the dragon, who would help him take care of it or give instructions about how you could safely ride it. We always reminded him that “Dragons do NOT make good pets.”

Matt loved to help people. He embraced the “Light the World” campaign. Even when it wasn’t Christmas time, he wanted to light the world every day.

Matt never met a person he didn’t know. They were friends waiting to meet him. When he traveled to Mexico, we practiced for several days so he could learn to introduce himself in Spanish.

He loved children, especially babies. He was always so excited when he got to hold new babies.

While he was attending school at River Heights Post High, he was very proud of having a “money” job. He worked at Fox’s Pizza Den, at Great Harvest and on a farm.

Matthew graduated from River Heights Post High on May 24, 2019. Matt volunteered at the hospital information desk where he helped people who were lost. He also helped deliver Meals on Wheels for the local senior center.

In the last few months, Matt has faithfully served at the temple baptistery. Attending the temple each week with his mother will continue to be a favorite memory. He also served in the Parleys Creek Swahili Branch Primary. He loved to help the children there learn about Jesus.

Whenever Matt was sick, he always asked for a priesthood blessing. He had great faith that Heavenly Father would answer his prayers and would help heal him thru the power of the priesthood.

Matt is survived by his parents Bryan and JoAnn Mickelson, his siblings Emily (Trey) Johnson, Sarah (Kody) Klaassen, Kathryn (Mason) Ozmun, Eric (Chelsey) Mickelson, Daniel Mickelson, his grandparents Walter and Donna Mickelson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Gerald and Myrtle Larsen and by TJ, a stillborn brother. He is also survived by Mighty, Dave and Rapunzel, Bruce the bad monkey, Nala, Hope, Fluffy, Zuri and the puking baby fairy.

Matthew passed away unexpectedly on November 26, 2019 from pneumonia. We love you Panda Man!

Viewing for Matthew will be held at the River Heights Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 800 South 600 East River Heights on Monday, December 9, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again Tuesday December 10, 2019 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be December 10, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at the same location. Interment in the Providence City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to one of the following: The general missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or to Cache Employment Training Center in the form of a check. 275 West 400 South Logan, UT 84321