Norman Mikkelsen

NORMAN MIKKELSEN, son of Jens and Clara (Pedersen) passed away Sunday, August 18th, 2019, just two days shy of his 89th birthday; August 20, 1930. Norman was surrounded by family and was fortunate to have made his wishes known. Interestingly, Norman was born in the family farm chicken house while the main house was constructed. Norman attended country school and later graduated from Tyler High School. Norman was married to Leona M. Swanson on March 20, 1954, and, together, they continued to live and work on the family farm until his death. Norman was a member of First English Lutheran Church of Tyler, Hope Township Board, Lincoln Co. Co-op Board, part-time security officer, church choir, and volunteer on many projects.

Norman was a husband, father, grand-father, great-grandfather and a jokester. You never encountered Norman without expecting some sort of a wise crack. Neither, would you ever see Norman in a dirty car. With a toothpick in his mouth, he was always ready to jump in and help a neighbor, a friend, or a stranger. Norman loved his family, his farm, his animals, dancing and a well-done, fatty steak with ketchup. Norman epitomized the Golden-Rule. He returned everything better than he found it. He made sure to provide for his family and his community ten-times over. He served 46 years for the people of Hope Township. Norman’s footprint will be stamped forever on this earth and in the heart of his precious wife, Leona.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Leona (Swanson) Mikkelsen of Tyler; three sons, Kent (Deborah) Mikkelsen of Tyler, Danny (Kimberly) Mikkelsen of Douglas, Wyoming, and Timothy (cats, Mandu and Otto) Mikkelsen of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Kela (Jordan) Mikkelsen-Lemer of Golden, Colorado, Drew Mikkelsen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Danica (TJ) Daniels of Douglas, Wyoming, Danelle (Nate) Cartmill of Inwood, Iowa, Nick (Leah) Vermeire of Dubois, Wyoming; eight great-grandchildren, Cora, Wyatt, Wylder, Emma, Kaycee, Gracelynn, Easton, and Adley; and pets, Kitty Cat of Tyler and four sweet, unnamed mousers.

Norman is preceded in death by his parents Jens, Clara, and step-mother Florence; sister, Esther Pedersen; and twin sister, Norma Sanderson.

Blessed be his memory. Thank you for loving him.

Memorials will be directed to local charities by the family.