Gary Lee Mikkelson, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27th, 2021 at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, MN after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Gary was born September 9, 1947 in Prairie du Chien, WI to Melenor and Joyce (LaPointe) Mikkelson. The family moved to Harmony, MN in 1957 where Gary graduated from Harmony High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He married Anita (Briske) in 1970 and had two children, Aaron and Stacy.
Gary was truly one of a kind. He was an avid outdoorsman and longtime member of the Root River Rifleman. He especially loved the old traditions of recurve bows, muzzleloaders, and fly fishing. Gary was a huge Twins and Gophers fan with an amazing memory. At any point during the season, he could easily recite the batting averages of the entire Twins lineup with pinpoint accuracy. He loved watching sports with his family, and after every Twins game would rehash the game over the phone with his father, Mel. Gary was also a fine leather craftsman and an amazing cook, and he loved sharing his creations with others. Gary loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandson, River. He would share videos of River’s golf swing with anyone who stopped by for a chat. Gary will be greatly missed.
Gary is survived by his daughter Stacy Dolan (Ryan); grandson, River Dolan; father, Melenor Mikkelson; and sisters, Sherry Miller and Tami Hoag. He was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Mikkelson; brother, Larry Mikkelson; and mother, Joyce Mikkelson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Seasons Hospice of Rochester.
Memories and condolences of Gary may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Please join us in celebrating the life of Gary Lee Mikkelson
What: An outdoor gathering with family and friends
Where: 33322 Garden Road Harmony, MN
When: Sunday, May 23rd at 2:00 pm
Gary was always a good friend and hunting partner to my husband, Scott. Many weekends spent down “at the farm” with Dave Ryan, Jim Zdonowicz, Rodger Bronner and several more. Good meals, good company, good times.
Garywill always have a place in my heart. We played softball for many years and did a little fishing as well. Sorry I lost touch with Gary I would have loved to see him one more time. RIP Animal!
I was a classmate of Gary’s. The 45th reunion was held at my house and Gary came. He say on my screened in porch in a wood rocking chair and “held court”. Everyone came to him to visit and tell stories and he seemed to have a great time as did everyone who visited with him. There may even be a picture floating around somewhere. He will be missed by our class!
My sincere sympathy to all mourning the loss of this wise and graceful gentleman.
To Gary,
Thanks for the memories.
Godspeed.
Gary and I shared a roof at a real chicken coop made into two different units on County Road One. We lived there many years and really had some fun. It had carpeting and knotted pine on the walls. The ceilings were only about 7 feet tall I believe. Gary used 2 saw horses as a table in the living room to work on projects. He was clever. He was always cooking up something and so generous in sharing. I would say if that is a bunny I do not want it. lol He made many great stews and meals he shared with me. When making baked good I remembered Gary. We were both near broke at the time and would help each other out- got some laundry soap? Do you have any TP? Can I borrow a twenty until next week? He was a great neighbor and always helpful and we shared many laughs over the years. I was very saddened to see he passed so young. Lifting Prayers for the family at this difficult time.
Our condolences on losing a legend in the traditional archery community. We enjoyed our many cups of coffee and chats about life. Blessings to Gary’s family. Terry & Barb Banitt – The Footed Shaft Archery Shop.
SO MANY memories of “Mikk”, way too numerous to mention them all, but they include black powder hunting squirrels, making buckskins, team driving an 18-wheeler cross-country, delicious home cooked meals of who-knows-what (I always said he could cook a skunk so you would enjoy it), renting a house/apartment/house together with some other great friends, and the privilege of him being part of our wedding party. We were so sad to learn of his passing, and that we had lost contact over the years. Rest in peace, my friend. Prayers for his family.