Mikkelson, Howard A. 1928-2013

MIKKELSON, BUNGER, DEKOCK, MARTIN, FRIZZELL, WEINER, SCHWEITZER, BOONE, AUFFERT, MOORE, BRINER, FISHER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 11/28/2013 at 02:45:10

Howard A. Mikkelson

A celebration of life for Howard A. Mikkelson, 85, who died Oct. 18, 2013, in Newton will be at Newton Church of the Way, 2306 S. Third Ave E. in Newton, on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with a memorial service at 2 p.m.

Those left to honor Howard’s memory include his wife of 62 years, Irene; his five children, Jacelon (Ron) Bunger, Gene (Kathy) Mikkelson, Kathy (Mark) DeKock, Nancy Mikkelson and Doug (Cindy) Mikkelson; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Service. ~ The Newton (IA) Daily News.
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Howard Mikkelson
Date Of Birth: September 4, 1928
Date Of Death: October 18, 2013

Howard A. Mikkelson, 85, died late Friday afternoon, October 18, 2013 under the care of Iowa Hospice at Careage of Newton Nursing Home. A Celebration of Life for Howard will be held at Johnson Funeral Service, 315 E. 3rd St. N., Newton, at a later date. Howard was born September 4, 1928 in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Edward Melvin and Mary Ruth (Martin) Mikkelson. Howard's childhood years were spent on various farms in the New Providence/Marshalltown, IA area and Eagle River, WI. He graduated from the New Providence schools in a class of six students. After graduation Howard went out East to work at a large dairy farm. He later returned to Iowa to attend Iowa State University where he completed a program that certified him to test samples of milk for butterfat content. While working as a milk tester, he moved to Adair County where he met Irene Frizell at the local skating rink, where she may or may not have tripped him. On June 2, 1951 they were united in marriage in Greenfield. Howard and Irene enjoyed roller skating and square dancing until the kids started coming along. After living in Van Horn and Spring Hill, in 1954 Howard and Irene moved to Jasper County. As a DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) Supervisor, Howard continued to test milk in his home lab with the assistance of his wife who spun the milk in the centrifuge and then measured the butterfat. As the years passed Howard continued to travel to the farms to obtain milk samples while Irene and the children worked in the home laboratory.

Howard was a avid bowler, a member of the Jasper County and Iowa Men's Associations and many local men's and mixed leagues.

Howard also raised rabbits with his kids and was the Rabbit Superintendent at the Jasper County Fair for 25 to 30 years.

After retiring Howard enjoyed woodworking and working on the scroll saw in his backyard shop. He made toys, clocks, plaques and much, much more, which he liked to show and give away. He also won blue ribbons at the Jasper County Fair with some of his creations.

Howard and Irene were proud parents to five children, nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Howard was a member of the Community Reformed Church.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister-in-law Melvin and Claire Mikkelson.

Those left to honor Howard's memory include his wife of 62 years, Irene of Newton, Iowa; his sons Gene (Kathy) Mikkelson and Doug (Cindy) Mikkelson, of Newton, daughters Jacelon (Ron) Bunger, of Chattanooga, TN, Kathy (Mark) DeKock, of Alcester, SD, and Nancy Mikkelson of Newton.

Nine grandchildren Deborah (Ben) Weiner, Michelle (Brock) Schweitzer, Nathan (Jennifer) Bunger, Chris (Tina) Mikkelson, Jason Mikkelson, Kim (Andy) Boone, Alicia Auffert, Brett (Kelsie) Auffert, Lea Mikkelson

Eleven great grandchildren Andrew, Grace, Rebecca and Caleb Weiner, Kara Schweitzer, Alicia Moore, Adalyn Mikkelson, Keagan and Sadie Briner, Aubrie Auffert, Nikolai Fiser.

Howard is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Ralph (Barbara) Mikkelson and eight nieces and nephews.

Johnson Funeral Service, Newton, Iowa.