Michael J. Mikkelson

Michael Joseph Mikkelson, 96, was born in Omaha Nebraska the only child of Mary Frances (Fortunato) and Michael Carl Mikkelson - pronounced Michael-son. As a young child he was quite sickly having had typhoid fever and rheumatic fever which evidently super strengthened his immune system as later in life he had many years of perfect attendance at work. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Tech High school. When his dad died at age 47, at the time Mike was 16 - quit school to work at his mother's grocery store. At barely 18 he enlisted in the Navy as the Army rejected him for his overbite (teeth??) Once honorably discharged, as a young adult joined the First Presbyterian Church Social Club. When sitting on the sidelines of the softball field due to an ankle injury, with his buddy Abe. Abe's girlfriend brought her roommate, Doreen Peatrowsky - aka "Petie" -who later became his wife. They were married in Omaha, while his mother moved to Chicago. Petie's parents lived in West Point visiting their daughter's family every 6 weeks. 

They quickly started their family with Mary Alice and Mick, with Joyce rounding out their happy family. Days before Mick was born, they moved into their home on Pinkney Street where they lived for 55 years. 

Mike worked for MUD as a mechanic for 36 years. He was an avid bowler and loved everything about bowling having been on three leagues for many years! He was an amazing son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. When we were growing up, he was our designated "cheerleader" for every Sports game, play, and musical concert at times coming straight from work to be there on time, Sometimes he ended up being the only person in the stands. Even when MA was in grad school on a softball team, he cheered them on enthusiastically - but passed on the after game drinking festivities! 

His whole world revolved around his family and faith - ushering at St. Bernard's Church for 53 years. He delighted with the addition of each grand and great grand child - to the fold. He is much loved and missed for being the very hard-working, joyful cheerleader of our family!! 😪💜 (He loved his chocolate and  the color PINK!)

Preceded in death by parents, wife, Doreen Mikkelson; daughter, Joyce Ann Dwornicki.

Survived by children, Mary Alice "Mike" Queen, Michael S. “Mick” (Susan) Mikkelson; grandchildren, Aaron, Andy and Marissa Queen, Steve Mikkelson, Karen and JoAnn Dwornicki; 7 great grandchildren; son in law, Tom Dwornicki, friend Bob Queen.

Interment Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Bernard School