Gary Gene Mikkelson, 77, of Garrison, passed away September 10, 2023, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 15, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison, ND. A burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
A visitation will be held from 12:00-4:00 PM on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison, ND.
Gary was born in Minot, ND to Lawrence and Helen (Kubicek) Mikkelson. He grew up and attended school in Makoti until moving to Garrison in 1959 and attending school there. He joined the Navy in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1965. He returned to Garrison and worked construction and found the love of his life. He was united in marriage in 1967 to Beverly Baker. They were blessed with two children, Todd (1968) and Michelle (1970).
In 1973 Gary started Gary’s Standard on Main Street in Garrison and also ran service stations in Max and Riverdale. In 1976 Gary started Lakeside Auto & Sports, a business his son still operates today. Gary then started Mikkelson Oil Co. in 1979, did bulk delivery, autobody work and developed the Lake Road Restaurant/Amoco Convenience & Auto Care Center/Bottle Shop and TBA distributor in 1986. He later sold to Garrison Farmer’s Union Oil in 1988 and began working for McLean County Highway Dept as a Blade Operator until retirement in 2008. In 1999, Gary purchased and operated The Office Lounge until it was sold in 2014. He was a lifelong proud member of the American Legion and Garrison Fire Department.
Gary enjoyed spending his time at the lake and wintering in Mesa AZ, since 2007. Gary was a true handyman, a jack of all trades. He never hesitated to help family or a friend. He always had a project in the works and would never take any help. He was known for the hardworking man he was. Gary enjoyed trips with his wife, golfing, hunting, attending car auctions, coffee breaks with his brothers, but most importantly being PAPA to his 6 grandchildren. He couldn’t speak high enough of his kids or grandchildren. He was extremely proud of each one of them. He loved attending his grandkids events throughout the years, taking them on family trips and when they would come to the lake and AZ. His family was his whole world!
Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly; son, Todd (Holly Mills), his two children, Landen (18) and Laken (16), and Holly’s daughters (Megan, Maura and Mazzie); daughter, Michelle (Jay Klabunde) and her four children, Alexis (28) Pulkinen (Zeb), Lofton (23), Gracie (21) (Charlie Raetzman) and Mataya (18); brothers, Larry (Diane)Mikkelson and Randy (Connie) Mikkelson; sister, Karen Eisen (John).
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Helen; sisters, Linda Schlenker and Kay Mikkelson.
Memorials can be made in Gary’s name to the Garrison American Legion Post 49.
To view a livestream of the service, go to www.facebook.com/garrisonthompsonfh/ or to the Thompson Funeral Home-Garrison, ND Facebook page.
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