Noel J Mickelson was a remarkable woman whose life story intertwines with some of the most transformative moments in recent American history. Born in the heartland of America, she became an artist, equestrian, and advocate for equality, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her. Her journey from a small Midwestern town to becoming part of an influential interracial marriage during the Civil Rights era is a testament to her courage and resilience.
But who was Noel J Mickelson beyond her connection to celebrity? What drove her passion for art and nature? And how did her life experiences shape her into the woman she became? Let’s dive into the fascinating life of this multifaceted individual who challenged societal norms and left a lasting legacy.
Who is Noel J Mickelson?
Noel J Mickelson was an American artist, equestrian, and environmentalist whose life spanned much of the 20th century. Born in the small town of Estherville, Iowa, she grew up to become a woman of many talents and interests. Mickelson’s life took an unexpected turn when she married actor John Amos, becoming part of an interracial couple at a time when such unions were still controversial and even illegal in some parts of the United States.
But Mickelson was much more than just a celebrity spouse. She was an accomplished artist in her own right, with a passion for creating emotionally charged works that often explored themes of identity and human relationships. Her artistic style blended elements of surrealism and abstraction, resonating with a wide audience and earning her recognition in the art world.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Mickelson was also an avid equestrian. She was known for her skill in horseback riding, particularly in endurance events. This love for horses and nature would later influence her environmental activism.
Mickelson’s life was marked by a commitment to social progress and environmental conservation. She was a staunch feminist, instilling in her children the belief that women could achieve anything they set their minds to. Her passion for nature extended beyond her equestrian pursuits, leading her to become a dedicated environmentalist who advocated for the preservation of natural resources.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Noel Jean “Noni” Mickelson |
| Born | August 22, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Jackson County, Minnesota |
| Died | 2016 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Artist, Equestrian, Environmentalist |
| Known for | Marriage to actor John Amos, Art, Environmental activism |
| Spouse | John Amos (m. 1965; div. 1975), Unnamed Disney special-effects engineer (m. unknown; d. 2005) |
| Children | Shannon Amos, Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos |
Early Life
Noel J Mickelson’s story begins in the heart of America’s Midwest. Born on August 22, 1943, in Jackson County, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Wilbur B Mickelson and Dorothy J Tims. Mickelson’s early years were steeped in the quintessential American experience of the mid-20th century, growing up in the picturesque landscapes of small-town Iowa.
The tight-knit community of Estherville, Iowa, played a crucial role in shaping Mickelson’s artistic sensibilities and her profound connection to nature. These formative years laid the foundation for what would become a life rich in creativity, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Mickelson’s Ashkenazi Jewish heritage added a unique dimension to her upbringing in predominantly Christian Iowa. This background likely contributed to her early development of resilience and open-mindedness—qualities that would serve her well throughout her life. Growing up as part of a minority community in small-town America, Mickelson learned to navigate diverse cultural landscapes, a skill that would prove invaluable in her future endeavors and relationships.
Education played a significant role in Mickelson’s life. She attended Colorado State University, where her path would intersect with that of John Amos, setting the stage for a relationship that would challenge societal norms. Her academic pursuits weren’t limited to art; she also studied sociology with a focus on human-environment interactions, foreshadowing her later involvement in environmental causes.
Mickelson’s adventurous spirit was evident from an early age. Her love for horses and riding developed during her youth, leading to numerous awards in endurance riding events. This passion for equestrianism would remain a constant throughout her life, influencing both her artistic work and her environmental activism.
Career
Noel J Mickelson’s professional life was as diverse and impressive as her personal journey. She was a true renaissance woman, excelling in multiple fields and leaving her mark on each.
As an artist, Mickelson was known for her emotional depth and intricate detail. She often explored universal human experiences such as identity, relationships, and the human condition through her work. Her artistic style was characterized by elements of surrealism and abstraction, resonating with a broad audience and earning her recognition in the art world.
Mickelson’s approach to art was innovative and forward-thinking. She was among the early adopters of digital technology in artistic practice, a move that expanded the boundaries of traditional art forms and made her work more accessible to a global audience. This willingness to embrace new techniques and technologies set her apart in the art community and influenced a new generation of artists.
Beyond her personal artistic achievements, Mickelson’s impact on the art world was amplified through her role as a mentor and supporter of emerging artists. She participated in art organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting new talent, ensuring that her influence would be felt for generations to come. Her advocacy for the inclusion of diverse voices in the art world and emphasis on artistic expression as a tool for social change and personal growth left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.
Mickelson’s career wasn’t limited to the art world. Her passion for equestrianism led her to become a skilled rider, particularly in endurance events. She won numerous riding awards and was known as “basically the best endurance rider you ever see this side of the Mississippi,” according to her son K.C.
In addition to her artistic and equestrian pursuits, Mickelson was also a dedicated environmentalist. Her academic background in sociology, with a focus on human-environment interactions, fueled her commitment to environmental causes. She took active roles in various research projects and organizations promoting sustainability, contributing to the growing environmental movement of her time.
Lifetime Awards & Achievements
- Numerous awards in endurance riding events
- Recognition in the art world for her innovative approach to digital art
- Contributions to environmental research and sustainability projects
What is Noel J Mickelson’s Net Worth?
While specific information about Noel J Mickelson’s net worth is not publicly available, it’s worth noting that her ex-husband, John Amos, has a reported net worth of $3 million. However, Mickelson’s own financial status would have been influenced by her career as an artist, her involvement in environmental projects, and potentially her equestrian activities.
Personal Life
Noel J Mickelson’s personal life was as rich and complex as her professional endeavors. Her marriage to actor John Amos brought her into the public eye, but it was her own accomplishments and character that truly defined her.
1. Noel J Mickelson’s Age
Noel J Mickelson was born on August 22, 1943, in Jackson County, Minnesota. She passed away in 2016, making her 73 years old at the time of her death. Throughout her life, Mickelson experienced significant cultural and social changes, from the Civil Rights movement to the digital revolution, all of which influenced her worldview and her work.
2. Noel J Mickelson’s Siblings
Information about Noel J Mickelson’s siblings is not readily available in the public domain. Her early life in Estherville, Iowa, and her family background are mentioned in various sources, but specific details about her siblings are not disclosed.
3. Noel J Mickelson’s Family
Noel J Mickelson was born to Wilbur B Mickelson and Dorothy J Tims. She grew up in a family that instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature. Her Ashkenazi Jewish heritage was an important part of her identity, influencing her perspective and experiences growing up in predominantly Christian Iowa.
Mickelson went on to start her own family with John Amos. They had two children together: Shannon Amos, born in 1966, and Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos, born in 1970. Both of her children followed in their father’s footsteps, pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. Shannon became a writer and producer, while K.C. became a director.
4. Noel J Mickelson’s Relationships
Noel J Mickelson’s most well-known relationship was her marriage to actor John Amos. They met while attending Colorado State University and married on December 27, 1965. Their interracial union was groundbreaking at a time when such marriages were still controversial and even illegal in some parts of the United States.
Mickelson and Amos’s marriage lasted for a decade, during which they had two children. However, they divorced in August 1975. Despite the end of their marriage, both Mickelson and Amos continued to co-parent their children.
After her divorce from Amos, Mickelson remarried. Her second husband was a Disney special-effects engineer, though his name is not publicly known. This marriage lasted until his death in 2005.
Dating History:
- John Amos (married 1965, divorced 1975)
- Unnamed Disney special-effects engineer (married after 1975, widowed 2005)
5. Noel J Mickelson’s House
Specific details about Noel J Mickelson’s residence are not widely available. However, it’s known that during her marriage to John Amos, the family lived in the Los Angeles suburb of Sylmar. This location allowed Mickelson to pursue her passion for horseback riding, as the area is known for its equestrian community.
Where is Noel J Mickelson Now?
Sadly, Noel J Mickelson passed away in 2016. Her son, K.C. Amos, shared the news of her passing on social media in June 2017. While she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through her art, her environmental work, and the impact she had on those who knew her.
Mickelson’s life was marked by creativity, resilience, and a commitment to progress. From her early days in small-town Iowa to her later years as an artist and activist, she continually pushed boundaries and challenged norms. Her influence can still be felt in the art world, where her innovative approach to digital art paved the way for new forms of expression.
Moreover, her dedication to environmental causes continues to inspire others. As climate change and environmental issues become increasingly pressing, Mickelson’s early advocacy for sustainability and conservation remains relevant and important.
Through her children, Shannon and K.C., Mickelson’s spirit of creativity and determination lives on in the entertainment industry. Both have successful careers in film and television, carrying forward the legacy of both their parents.
Conclusion
Noel J Mickelson’s life story is a testament to the power of individuality, creativity, and courage. From her early days in the Midwest to her later years as an accomplished artist and environmental advocate, Mickelson continually pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms.
Her interracial marriage to John Amos in the 1960s was just one example of her willingness to defy convention in pursuit of love and equality. But Mickelson was far more than just a celebrity spouse. She was an artist who explored deep human emotions through her work, an equestrian who found joy and accomplishment in riding, and an environmentalist who fought for the preservation of our natural world.
Mickelson’s legacy extends beyond her personal achievements. As a mentor to young artists and a staunch feminist, she paved the way for future generations to pursue their passions and fight for equality. Her embrace of digital technology in art demonstrated her forward-thinking approach and adaptability.
While Noel J Mickelson may no longer be with us, her impact continues to resonate. Through her art, her advocacy, and the values she instilled in her children, she left the world a little bit better than she found it. Her life serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of staying true to oneself and standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of societal pressure.
In remembering Noel J Mickelson, we celebrate not just an individual, but a spirit of creativity, resilience, and progress that continues to inspire and influence long after her passing.
