Violet "Vi" Welton

Vi (Violet) Welton, 95, of Moorhead, MN died Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Violet Mickelson was born on April 2, 1921 in Berlin, North Dakota to Martin and Ida (Thompson) Mickelson. Vi started school in a one-room schoolhouse in the Berlin area. In the midst of the depression and dust bowl of the 30’s life was not easy on the prairie and her family moved to Fargo when she was in the 9th grade. Vi graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1938, then attended North Dakota Agricultural College for 2 years. She was an active basketball player and developed a love of basketball that even kept her passionately involved with NBA ball through her later years.

Vi and John Welton were married on December 9, 1941 in Hollywood, CA. They returned to Fargo, where John enlisted in the Army. When John was overseas in the Pacific Theater, Vi stayed in Seattle and worked for Boeing Aircraft during his absence. When John received his discharge in 1946, she and John operated an ice cream and deli store in Seattle, WA for a short time. It was here that their first daughter, Joan, was born and the beginnings of the Welton family began. They returned to Fargo in 1947.

Vi was an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Fargo, serving as Sunday School Superintendant, on the Christian Education Board, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Church Clerk for 15 years. She was also an involved leader in Cub Scouts, Campfire and PTA. Her son, Steven, and daughter, Laurie, were born in Fargo.

Vi went to work at Radio and TV Equipment in 1962, retiring as Business Manager in 1984. She was an energetic and devoted employee and gave her all to facilitating the viability of a business during changing times in the communication industry.

They moved to Upper Cormorant Lake in 1978 where they lived in a beautiful home built by her son-in-law, Scott, and entertained friends and family with utmost grace and enthusiasm. They joined Cormorant Lutheran Church in 1993 returning to her Lutheran roots; she became a steadfast and loyal member of the congregation.

Vi is remembered as a loving mother and grandmother (great and great-great) to all of her family. She had a wide circle of friends and worked diligently to keep up with all of those that she loved. Even in her last days she expressed concern and care for all who facilitated her move to Sioux Falls to be near daughter, Laurie, and her family. Her steadfast courage and belief helped carry her to a better place where she is resting in peace.

Vi is survived by her son, Dr. Steven Welton, Richmond, VA; two daughters, Joan (Warren) Runestrand, Painesville, OH and Laurie (Scott) Thorson, Sioux Falls, SD; one brother, Duane (Susie) Mickelson, Yakama, WA; 6 grandchildren: Janna Thorson, Andrea Thorson, Luke Thorson, AJ Thorson, Angela (Steve) Schuch and Scott (Treasia) Runestrand, 3 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by John (husband), parents, brothers (Kenneth Mickelson), sisters (Mary Ann Mickelson, Evonne Givler and Virginia Melary).

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Eventide Foundation or Cormorant Lutheran Church. Condolences may be sent to: Laurie Thorson, 301 W 25th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.