Gary Lee Mikkelson, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, Minn., after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Gary was born September 9, 1947, in Prairie du Chien, Wis., to Melenor and Joyce (LaPointe) Mikkelson. The family moved to Harmony, Minn., in 1957, where Gary graduated from Harmony High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. Gary was married to Anita Goetz (Briske); they had two children together, 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 that memorial donations be made to Seasons Hospice of Rochester.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Details will be posted on rochestercremationservicesmn.com at a later date. Memories and condolences can also be posted on the website.