Conservative radio host Jan Mickelson has died. The longtime host of WHO Radio, formerly known as the “WHY Radio,” died in late July 2023 at the age of 74.
Jan’s wife, Suzy, announced his passing on social media but did not reveal the cause of his death. So, let’s take a look at how it happened, what his life has been like so far, how his family has coped with his passing, and more.
Jan Mickelson’s Cause of Death
Jan Mickelson’s death was announced on July 30, 2023, in a Facebook post by his wife, Suzy. Suzy expressed gratitude to fans for their well wishes but did not go into detail about the cause of her husband’s death.
Jan, who is now being mourned by many Iowa Republican politicians and conservative fans, was admitted to the hospital on July 29. A Facebook post posted by a loved one to his account detailed much of his medical condition leading up to his death. According to the FB post itself, Jan was rushed to the hospital in critical condition with low blood pressure and failing kidney function. At the time of the post, Jan was “still responsive” and even made the nursing staff laugh. His death was reported shortly thereafter.
Back in 2015, Jan suffered a stroke that eventually led to his retirement. Claiming that the road to recovery was expensive, he and his family even held a fundraiser and raised $6,736 of their $200,000 goal. Then, in late January 2018, Jan himself gave an update on his health. He seemed proud to have undergone stem cell therapy. The process, he explained, involves removing fat, harvesting stem cells, purifying them, and infusing them intravenously.
Jan Mickelson’s wife and children
Jan Mickelson’s wife is Susanne A Mickelson, also known as Suzy Mickelson. The two were 19 and 20 years old when they got married. They have been seemingly inseparable ever since.
The first summer Jan and Suzy were married, they worked at Camp Wild Rose, in Wisconsin. One day, a camper came up to Suzy and said Jan had been hurt and she should come see him. She walked to the car, and there was blood running down Jan’s mouth. She pushed him into the car and said she was taking him to the hospital. After a few seconds, Jan started laughing, as did all the other campers. They were playing a prank on her. Suzy recalled stories like this when she told the story of Jan’s recovery and their struggles with his hospital bills on the aforementioned go-fund-me page.
Jan once told about meeting Suzy in speech class.
Recently, Suzy has been working as a paralegal at Des Moines.
Jan and Suzy have a son. His name is Scott Bradley Mickelson and he was born in September 1979.
According to LinkedIn, Scott has worked as the owner and CEO of Golden Eagle IRA in Las Vegas, Nevada since August 2020. Prior to starting his career, he studied Finance at Iowa State University – Ivy League School of Business.
It seems that throughout the whole process and until the very end, Jan’s wife and son were by his side, supporting and praying. “Mom and I, Jill, Alexander and Evonelle are all asking for prayers for his recovery, comfort and support. Every prayer helps. Thank you so much,” Jan’s son wrote on Jan’s FB wall on July 30, 2023. Here, when he refers to Jill, he means his wife Jillaina. Alexander and Evonelle are their children.
In August 2010, when Alexander was born, Jan, the proud grandfather, shared on social media that “New member… Alexander Sterling Mickelson. Nicknamed “Thor” My grandson.” And then in February 2022, when Evonelle Mickelson was born, Jan announced to everyone that she was named after his mother.
Jan Mickelson’s age at the time of his death
Before his death, Jan Mickelson had just celebrated his 74th birthday in early June 2023.
Jan Mickelson Family
Jan Mickelson’s mother shares the same name as her niece, Evonelle Mickelson.
Speaking of Jan’s father, we only know that he was a meat cutter. And besides them, Jan grew up with two siblings.
Another known member of Jan’s family is his niece, Kristen Bowlin, who happens to be the Owner/Blogger at Arrows and Applesauce.
Jan Mickelson’s career
Jan Mickelson is an Iowa-based radio host who is known for his “bigotry” toward Muslims and LGBTQ Americans and for his extreme rhetoric on immigration. He has gone so far as to suggest that immigrants should be used for slave labor.
His journey to fame in talk radio began in the early 1980s when he worked for WHO Radio as News Director and then Program Director. In 1985, the Iowa Radio News Association named him “News Director of the Year.” Then, in 1988, he made his first appearance in the C-SPAN Video Library. And it was this event in his life that marked the beginning of his long and prolific career in talk radio.
Related FAQs
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Where is Jan Mickelson from?
Jan Mickelson is originally from Harlan, Iowa. However, he last lived in Ankeny City in Polk County, Iowa.
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What is Jan Mickelson’s birthday?
Jan usually celebrates his birthday on June 21 every year.
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Is Jan Mickelson on Instagram and Facebook?
Jan Mickelson has never been on Instagram. But his profiles can be found on Facebook and Twitter. As of August 2, 2023, he has 4,191 followers on Facebook under the name ‘Jan Mickelson’.