Background
Mickelson, George Theodore was born on July 23, 1903 in Selby, South Dakota, United States. Son of George M. and Emma L. (Craig) Mickelson.
governor judge lawyer politician
Mickelson, George Theodore was born on July 23, 1903 in Selby, South Dakota, United States. Son of George M. and Emma L. (Craig) Mickelson.
Mickelson attended Dakota Wesleyan University and then received an Bachelor of Laws from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1927.
Mickelson was the first Governor of South Dakota born in the twentieth century. That year he returned to Selby to practice law. Prior to serving as governor, Mickelson, a Republican, served as states attorney for Walworth County, South Dakota from 1933 to 1936.
He served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1937–1943 and was Speaker of the House in his last term.
He then served as South Dakota Attorney General from 1943 to 1947. He became Governor of South Dakota in 1947, and served until 1951.
On December 9, 1953, Mickelson received a recess appointment from President Eisenhower to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota vacated by Alfred Lee Wyman. Formally nominated on January 11, 1954, Mickelson was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 9, 1954, and received his commission the following day.
He served as chief judge of the court from 1954 until his death in 1965.
Mickelson"s son, George South. Mickelson, served as Governor of South Dakota from 1987 to 1993. Mickelson died February 28, 1965, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota United States of America.
Member Phi Delta Phi, Sigma Delta Chi, Theta Alpha Phi. Worthy Grand Patron, Order of Eastern Star. Mason, Elk.
Married Madge East. Turner, April. Children: Janice Winifred, Lavon Rae, Patricia Ann, George Speaker.