Kenneth ("Ken") Lee Mickelsen of Lancaster, Texas, was born August 1, 1954. He passed from this life on November 30, 2018 at the age of 64 years.

Ken was born in Lubbock, TX, and lived with the family in California and Minnesota. He graduated from Orno High School in Long Lake, MN, in 1972. He then studied under Pat McGuffin at Tulsa's prestigious Arts Students Academy in the mid-1970's—this established Ken's skill and identity as a distinctive southwest painter. He continued painting in Corrales, New Mexico, where he also tried his hand at cotton farming. He eventually returned to his family's roots in Lancaster, TX, and lived not far from his parents. Ken assisted his father's dental sales work, including drawing dental office 3-D architectural renderings long before there was computer-aided design. He and his father became aficionados of the history of a local racehorse named Steel Dust. This interest resulted in Ken designing an historical marker, producing an oil painting, and (for a brief while) establishing and running the Steel Dust Art Gallery located on the Lancaster Town Square..

For a number of years, Ken enjoyed a fruitful business partnership in Dallas with friend and fellow artist Ty Milner. Ken later worked for "Mr. J's" as a framer. His last several years were spent as the daily companion to his mother.

Ken was preceded in death by father Robert T. Mickelsen; brother Robert Norman "Mikey" Mickelsen. He is survived by mother Helen (Hammond) Mickelsen; sister Nancy Hoffmann & husband Thomas; niece Joy Hancock & husband Tim; nephew Matthew Hoffmann.

Ken will always be remembered for his beautiful artwork, for his many interests and passionate conversations, and for his quiet and caring nature.