Finding a name in the local papers or scrolling through a digital wall of memories isn't just about dates and logistics. It's about a community’s pulse. In Shawano, Wisconsin, that pulse often flows through Mickelson funeral home obituaries. Honestly, when you’re looking for someone you knew, the last thing you want is a clunky interface or a "page not found" error.
People think an obituary is just a death notice. It's not. Especially in a tight-knit place like Shawano, these records are the final word on a life lived.
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The Reality of Searching for Mickelson Funeral Home Obituaries
If you’ve ever tried to find a specific person on a whim, you know the drill. You type the name, you hit enter, and you hope the right page pops up. For families dealing with the Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, the process is usually pretty streamlined, but there are nuances most folks miss.
The funeral home, located right at the corner of Sawyer and Randall Streets, has been around since 1909. That’s a lot of history. While the physical building has been there for over a century, the way we read about those who’ve passed has changed completely.
Where to Look First
Don’t just rely on a random Google search. You’ve basically got three reliable paths:
- The Official Website: The Mickelson family (Rob and Nancy) keeps a "Book of Memories" on their site. This is where you get the high-res photos and the full narrative.
- Legacy and Tribute Archive: These third-party sites often mirror the local listings. They’re great for signing up for email alerts if you’re waiting on a specific notice.
- Local News Outlets: The Shawano Leader still carries that weight of tradition for many families in the area.
Most people assume everything is online instantly. It isn't. There’s a gap between the passing and the publication. Usually, it takes 24 to 48 hours for the staff to coordinate with the family and get the wording exactly right.
Why the "Book of Memories" Matters More Than You Think
Kinda funny how we used to just clip out a tiny square from the newspaper, right? Now, the digital version—what Mickelson calls the Book of Memories—is a permanent archive. It’s interactive.
You aren't just reading a bio. You’re looking at personalized DVDs, seeing floral tributes, and sometimes even reading messages from people halfway across the world. It’s a shift from a static notice to a living document.
I’ve seen families get really creative here. In 2026, we’re seeing more "Celebrations of Life" rather than just the somber traditional funerals. This means the obituaries are changing too. They sound less like a resume and more like a story.
The Cost and Logic Behind the Text
Here is something nobody talks about: obituaries can be expensive.
Most people are shocked when they see the bill for a newspaper listing. The Mickelson Funeral Home staff helps navigate this, but the truth is, newspapers often charge by the line or the inch.
- The "Basics" Only: Usually includes name, age, and service time.
- The "Full Narrative": This is where you get into the hobbies, the grandkids, and the funny stories.
- Digital vs. Print: Digital is often included in the funeral home's service fee, but print is a separate beast.
Rob Mickelson has been pretty vocal about "hidden costs" in the industry. They try to be upfront, but if you’re writing one yourself, keep an eye on the word count if you're planning on a big print spread in the Sunday paper.
Writing a Shawano Obituary That Actually Sounds Like the Person
If you’re tasked with writing one of these, stop trying to sound "professional."
The best Mickelson funeral home obituaries are the ones that mention the deceased’s obsession with the Packers or how they made the best booyah in the county. Authenticity beats formal prose every single time.
Start with the essentials—full name, age, date of passing—but then dive into what made them them. Did they spend forty years at the paper mill? Did they volunteer at the local food pantry? Mention it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The "Laundry List" of Survivors: It’s easy to forget a cousin or a step-grandchild. Double-check the list with a sibling or parent before hitting "send."
- Vague Service Details: If the service is at the funeral home (the one with the big 1992-remodeled chapel), make sure you specify the time for the visitation versus the actual service. People always mix those up.
- Missing the "In Lieu of Flowers": If the family wants donations to a specific charity, put it at the very bottom in bold.
The Evolution of the 110-Year Tradition
The Karth family started this business in 1909. Think about that. They’ve gone from horse-drawn hearses to high-speed internet obituaries.
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When Rob and Nancy Mickelson took over from the Schroeders in 2012, they kept that "treat everyone like family" vibe. It sounds like a marketing slogan, but in a town of 9,000 people, you can't fake it for very long.
One thing that sets this place apart is the on-site crematory. For many, knowing their loved one never leaves the facility provides a certain level of peace. This also reflects in the obituaries; you'll see more "cremation services" listed now than you would have twenty years ago. In fact, national trends show cremation hitting over 60% of all services by 2026.
What to Do if You Can't Find an Obituary
Sometimes, you know someone passed, but the search bar comes up empty.
It happens.
First, check the "Recently Departed" or "Past Services" tab on the Mickelson site. Sometimes the URL changes, or the name is filed under a maiden name. If it’s a very recent passing, the family might still be gathering their thoughts.
If all else fails, a quick call to the office at (715) 526-3135 is the most direct way to get info. They’re used to it.
Actionable Steps for Families and Researchers
If you are looking for information or preparing a notice, here is the most efficient way to handle it:
- For Researchers: Use the "Last 30 Days" filter on the Mickelson website to skip the clutter. If you're looking for genealogy, the Tribute Archive is usually better for records older than five years.
- For Families Writing a Notice: Collect the vital stats first (birth date, marriage date, parents' names). Once the "boring" stuff is out of the way, write three sentences about their favorite hobby. That’s what people will remember.
- For Service Attendees: Check the obituary the morning of the service. Times or locations can shift due to weather or unexpected family needs.
The digital age hasn't replaced the need for these memorials; it has just made them more accessible. Whether it's a traditional burial or a modern celebration of life, the record remains the bridge between the past and the community left behind.