Pamela Jane Mikkelson (née Edwards) was born on April 28, 1962, to Barbara and James Edwards. She grew up in Plymouth, Minnesota, with her older brother Timothy and younger brother John, surrounded by friends, family adventures, and a beloved dog named Shaggy. Childhood summers were spent camping at Lake Winnibigoshish, attending Campfire Girls, and lifeguarding at the city pool.
Pam graduated from Armstrong High School in 1980 and went on to study architectural restoration at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
In 1983, Pam married Christopher Douglas Wiegel. Together they had two children, Benjamin Kellogg and Anika Jayne. Though their marriage ended in 1989, Pam raised Ben and Anika with warmth, strength, and grace.
While working at Bachman’s Nursery in Bloomington, Pam met Tom Mikkelson. In 1992, they married and spent nearly 20 years together on their flower farm near Prior Lake. Their gardens—abundant with hostas, daylilies, and cut flowers—were sold to Bachman’s and generously shared with friends, neighbors, and the wider community.
In 1995, Pam began a career in education. She worked at Grainwood Elementary, Hidden Oaks Middle School, and eventually Prior Lake High School, where she supported students in the athletics and activities department. She also became a leader in education advocacy, serving on the boards of both the Minnesota and National Education Associations. Her work took her across the country, championing educators and making a lasting impact. Along the way, she met her partner, Dale Kain of Euclid, Ohio.
Pam was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She supported Ben and Anika through years of swimming, scouts, and music—always cheering them on and traveling near and far as their number one fan. She nurtured their love of adventure, which led to lives rooted across the globe. With Ben settling in France and Anika in South Africa, travel became a way of staying close. Pam and Dale embraced this, visiting them often and journeying together to London, Ireland, Croatia, Istanbul, and beyond.
Pam’s family grew to include Anika’s husband, Geran de Klerk, and their sons, Luka Wilder and Lando Woods. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren, and her connection to South Africa deepened with each visit.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Pam became a passionate advocate for women’s health, encouraging others to stay vigilant and sharing her journey openly. Her Facebook page became a source of hope and strength for many. During these years, she and Dale moved from Florida to North Carolina and later to Ohio, continuing to travel and explore.
Pam passed away at her home in Warren, Ohio, after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by family and enveloped in love and messages from friends near and far. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and community. Her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. on July 3, 2025, at the enclosed pavilion at Lakefront Park in Prior Lake, Minnesota — the day before her favorite holiday. All are welcome. Please wear bright clothes and bring stories, photos, and smiles as we honor the joy Pam brought into the world.
