Linda Mickelson Graham

Linda Mickelson Graham

Linda Mickelson Graham grew up in Sioux Falls, but spent a significant amount of time west river, as the First Lady of South Dakota, after her first husband, George Mickelson, became Governor in 1986.  Linda lost George in 1993, but his legacy lives on through their children and grandchildren and in many memorials throughout the state, from the Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills to the Mickelson Grove at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

During her time as First Lady, public service became her own legacy, and remain so to this day. Linda was the campaign chair and provided leadership support for the State Historical Society in the late 80s to complete the permanent exhibits in the museum located in the Cultural Heritage Center. Most notably, she served on the Children's Home Society board and is proud to be responsible – in part – for securing the first major gift to the Children's Home Endowment, for $2 million. In addition, she served on the University of South Dakota Foundation Board, where she co-chaired Campaign for South Dakota, which raised over $133 million.  And Linda was a formative part of the South Dakota Community Foundation, which she and George helped establish in 1987. The Fairy Godmother’s Fund at SDCF is a favorite of hers. This fund awards small amounts of money for women in need.

Today Linda and Tom Graham live in Sioux Falls, where travel and family have become the major focus. She is a busy grandmother and remains a stalwart advocate for her community and the state of South Dakota.