Robert W. Mikkelson

Sept. 28, 1916-Aug. 12, 2008

Robert W. Mikkelson passed away in Citrus Heights, CA, on Aug. 12, 2008, from prostate cancer. He was 91.

He was born Sept. 28, 1916, south of Minot, ND, on the family farm to Even and Anna (Hendrickson) Mikkelson.

Robert married Mabel L. (Jensen) Fadness on March 17, 1945, in Velva, ND. They were a love story from the beginning to the end. They celebrated more than 61 years of marriage. They owned and operated the Russell House, a hotel in Velva, for almost 10 years. Robert owned and operated M & F Electric until 1980, when they retired to Sacramento, CA, to be close to their children and grandchildren. Robert lovingly cared for Mabel for several years until she passed away on July 29, 2006.

Robert was raised on the family farm on South Prairie. He was from a family of 12 children. In 1924, diptheria swept through the plains and claimed the lives of four of his brothers. As a little boy, he valiantly assisted his sister Miller in trying to save his brothers' lives. This left a life-long impression on him.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1941-44 in the Red Bull Division. He was wounded in action twice. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster for military valor during the Tunisian and Naples Campaign.

Robert was an active member of the American Legion and Oak Valley Lutheran Church. His wife and family were the joy of his life. Mabel and Robert parented by setting a wonderful, honest example for their children. Their children feel blessed to have been born to such loving, caring people.

After they moved to California, they enjoyed several trips to Hawaii. They camped extensively in their motor home with their children and grandchildren. Robert was a proud, patient grandpa. He enjoyed attending sporting events for his grandchildren. Also, he was an avid Sacramento King's fan. He faithfully checked the mail every day for a new Minot Daily News to read.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mabel; and siblings, Millie, Helen, Hulda, Dena, Arthur, Albert, Oliver, Glenn and Edward.

Robert is survived by his three children, Bruce (Lori) of Gilbert, AZ, Bonnie Mikkelson of Rocklin, CA, and Mark (Janna) of Citrus Heights, CA. He has nine grandchildren, Michael (Brenda), Mark (Elisabeth) and David Mailhot, Clinton (Alicia) and Randy (Gina) McCarley in the Sacramento area and Christina (Edward) Villanueva, Brad (Kaylene) Mikkeslon of Turlock, CA, Jennifer Mikkelson of Santa Cruz, CA, and Dennisa Nelson of Gilbert, AZ. He and Mabel were blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, Meagan, Marissa, Ashleigh, twins Nickolas and Julia Mabel Mailhot; Noah, Hannah, Matthew and Grace Villanueva; Jacob, Joseph and Jordan Mikkelson; Shiyla McCarley.

Services were held Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 7607 Garden Gate in Citrus Heights, CA. Burial was at Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights.

Memorials: May be given to the family church, Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Citrus Heights.

His entire family will miss Robert, however, he has been reunited with Mabel, the love of his life. (Price Funeral Chapel, Citrus Heights)