Merlin Mikkelson

Merlin “Mike” Leroy Mikkelson, 87, of Wilson KS and formerly of Miltonvale, Ks, peacefully passed away September 25, 2023. Mike was born Januarary 11, 1936, near Lisco NE, the son of Alfred and Daisy (Learned) Mikkelson. He grew up farming near Licso and later moved to Scottsbluff, NE. He married Roberta (Robeson) and to this union,four children were born, Leroy, Sheryl, Arlan and Brent. They later divorced and eventually Mike moved to Denver CO, where he worked for Dixon Paper Co. He met Shelby, the love of his life in 1996. They lived in Colorado until Mike retired in 1998. They, then moved to

Miltonvale, KS to enjoy retirement. Mike enjoyed anything outdoors as he spent many days fishing with family. He loved to play card games and you could stop by and visit or get in a game of pitch anytime. He and Shelby also loved to gather with their friends and car pool to Bingo most weekends. Even after Shelby passed away in 2011, you could still find him at Bingo every weekend accompanied by his grandson, Zayed. He loved Bingo! After some health complications, in July of 2022 he moved to Wilson Care and Rehabilitation. He enjoyed visiting with the staff, the good food, playing cards and of course playing Bingo. He always wore a smile on his face and spread joy to others.

He was a member of the Miltonvale Christian Church and The Fraternal Order of Eagles # 3650.

Mike is survived by his son Brent Mikkelson (Erin) of Morrison CO., Stepchildren, Deann Binns (LeAnne) of Emporia, Kan., Dory Mc Donald (Wil) of Ellsworth, Kan., Jay Caley (Kim) of Riley, Kan., Deanna Soukup (Rick) of Dorrance, Kansas. Sisters, Devita Beals of Miltonvale, Kan., Wanda Phipps (Bernie) of Branson, MO, Brenda Messina (Larry) of Stuart, FL. He had 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and an abundant amount of friends that will greatly miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Daisy, his Stepmother Velva (Childs) Mikkelson. His wife, Shelby. His brothers: Wayne Mikkelson and Larry Mikkelson. His sister, Linda Busch. His Children: Sheryl, Arlan and Leroy. Great Grandson, Aiden Mikkelson.

Funeral Service will be October 14, 2023 at 11:30am, The Miltonvale Christian Church, followed by a lunch at the church. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to: Deanna Soukup, Refine Design Inc.,119 N Douglas Ave. Ellsworth, KS., 67439. Memorials will go towards a memorial bench, created to honor Mike at Wilson Care and Rehab.