Clear Lake-Merle Lloyd Mikkelson 96, died Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Westview Care Center, Britt, Iowa. He was a long-time resident of Mason City and most recently, he and his wife had moved to Glen Oaks in Clear Lake. Visitation will be Thursday, March 16, from 4:00-6:00 at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 on Friday, March 17 at the Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel with Pastor Art Zewert officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Mason City Veterans Association immediately following the service. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.
Memorials may be directed in care of Bonnie Mikkelson.
Merle was born October 21, 1926, in Britt, Iowa, the son of Jens and Emma (Madsen) Mikkelson. Raised on a farm, he learned at an early age how to be a hard worker. Merle graduated from Forest City High School and served in the United States Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged. On June 10, 1971, Merle and Bonnie were united in marriage at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa. Their strong devotion was evident during their 51+ years of marriage. Merle worked at AMPI Creamery and was an auto mechanic for 35 years at Lane Brothers/Hertz Rental Car in Mason City. His hobbies included bowling, gardening and paint by number pictures. He was a life time member of the Mason City V. F. W.
Merle is survived by his wife Bonnie Mikkelson, Clear Lake; children Sue Gauger, Latimer, Rick Hesse, Mason City, Mark (Tammy) Hesse, Clear Lake, Becky (Mike) Hall, Clear Lake; grandchildren Gabe (Mandi) Hesse, Naphtali (Mike) Crouse, Josiah Hesse, Ben (Krystle) Hesse, Chris (Bre) Hesse, Melissa (Matt) Loux, Hallie (Seth) Harkin, Emma (Nick) Kruger; 17 Great-Grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Merle is preceded in death by his parents, Jens and Emma, sons Dennis Mikkelson and Paul Hesse, son-in-law Bill Gauger; granddaughter Hannah Hall; father-in-law and mother-in-law Wayne and Rosella Osgood; brother-in-law Marvin Osgood; siblings June (Joe) Peck, Doris (Vince) Mulhert and Melvin (Gloria) Mikkelson. The family would like to thank Mason City Veterans Affairs, MercyOne Hospice of North Iowa and the West View Care Center for the wonderful care and support.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428
colonialchapels.com
