Donald Mikkelsen

03/13/1939 –

11/19/2020

Bernard T. Meiners, 95 of Coon Rapids, died Monday, September 1, 2025 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids surrounded by his family.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham. The Celebrant will be Fr. Patrick Behm, assisted by Deacon Louis Meiners. Music will be by Jane Heithoff and the St. Joseph’s Choir. Lector for the Funeral Mass will be Jill Klein. Gift Bearers will be Talina Haskins, Caitlin ThongVahn, and Amanda Meiners. Casket Bearers will be Brian Meiners, Ben Meiners, Aaron Meiners, Lucas Meiners, Jason Nees, Mike Nees, Ryan Schultes, Tyler Schultes, Jordan Schultes, Justin Meiners, and Trenton Meiners. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dedham with military honors conducted by the Dedham American Legion.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with a rosary at 7 p.m. The casket will be moved to St. Joseph’s Church on Friday morning where additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home or the church for a later designation.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Bernard’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.

Donald Mikkelsen, age 81, of Carroll, died Thursday, November 19, 2020 at St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, November 23, 2020 at St. John Paul II Parish – Holy Spirit Church in Carroll. Music will be by Jane Heithoff. Lectors will be Steve Mikkelsen, Mark Mikkelsen, and Scott Mikkelsen. Honorary Gift Bearers will be Summer Mikkelsen, Aliyah Mikkelsen, and Alec Mikkelsen. Eucharistic Minister will be Steve Mikkelsen. Casket Bearers will be Adam Mikkelsen, Brittney Mikkelsen, Lance Mikkelsen, Julia Mikkelsen, Dylan DeMey, Aaron Haubrich, Marissa Haubrich, and Emily Haubrich. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll.
A public viewing without greeting the family will be held from 10:15-10:45 a.m. at the church.
Those attending the funeral mass are required to wear a face covering and abide by social distancing guidelines.
Those wishing to send a memorial please mail to Don Mikkelsen Family, c/o Sharp Funeral Home, 226 W. 8th St. Carroll, Iowa 51401.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Don’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Born in Dedham, Iowa of March 13, 1939, Donald was the son of Edward and Mary (Becker) Mikkelsen. He attended St. Joseph’s School and later graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School. On April 15, 1961, Don was united in marriage to Louise Gross at St. Francis Catholic Church in Maple River, Iowa. The couple made their home near Dedham where Don was engaged in grain and livestock farming his entire lifetime. A gifted and self-taught carpenter, Don constructed several barns and structures on his farms that are still there today. In addition to farming, he was an active coach and was one of the first high school level girls’ athletic coaches in the areas of basketball and softball. In 2009, Don and Louise moved to the Carroll Community.
Don served on numerous boards in his lifetime including first lay director at St. Joseph’s Parish, President of Dedham Cooperative Board, numerous school boards, including 6 years on the Carroll Community School Board. He enjoyed relaxing with his family and friends, and time away to do a little gambling whether a friendly game of cards or a trip to the casino.
More than anything Don was a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, and a devoted Christian.
Left to cherish Don’s memory is his daughters: Jane (Mark) DeMey of Carroll, and Kay Lynn Haubrich of Carroll; sons: Steve (Mary) Mikkelsen of Dedham, Mark (Laurie) Mikkelsen of Dedham, and Scott (Brook) Mikkelsen of Halbur; eleven grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Vince (Lenora) Gross of Carroll, Bernice Drees of Mapleton, Joey (Diane) Gross of Carroll, Cecilia (Mike) Simpson of Cedar Rapids, Dolores (Leroy) Boes of Carroll, Ben (Vickie) Gross of Breda, Aggie (Denny) Grossman of Glidden, and Joleen (Dave) Sander of Carroll, Norma Gross of Carroll and Andrew Kirsch of Carroll; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Louise in 2019; his son-in-law, Russell Haubrich; his sister, Joan Mikkelsen; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Kirsch; and his brothers-in-law, Walter Gross and Dick Drees.

Church Service

Friday, September 5, 2025 10:30 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Burial

Sharp Funeral Home ~ Carroll, Iowa

226 W. 8th St., Carroll, IA, 51401

712-792-4301

[email protected]

https://www.sharpfuneral.com

Church Service

Thursday, September 4, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Sharp Funeral Home – Carroll
226 W. 8th St, Carroll, IA 50401

Friday, September 5, 2025
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Obituary

Born March 31, 1930, he was the son of Bernard and Catherine (Rotert) Meiners. He grew up in the Dedham-Willey area and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Willey in 1943. He entered the U.S. Army July 8, 1953 and was stationed at Wurzburg, Germany. He was discharged on May 20, 1955.

Bernard married Dolores S. Halbur on January 24, 1956 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur. After being married Bernard and Dolores lived 3 miles north of Dedham for two years. In 1958, they moved to the farm they purchased four miles east of Dedham. They were the parents of six children: Daniel, Dale, David, Cathleen, Christine, and Gary. Dolores passed away January 21, 1978.

On August 9, 1980, Bernard married Marita Eickman at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids. In May 2011, Bernard and Marita moved off the farm into the town of Coon Rapids, Iowa. They made their home there for 14 years. In April 2025, they moved to Parkview Assisted Living in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

During Bernard’s lifetime, he farmed, had a dairy operation, had a cow/calf operation, and raised hogs. He retired in 1992. He is a current member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Dedham, a member of the Dedham American Legion Post #20, and a member of the Manning VFW. In July 2001 Bernard, being a Korean Veteran, had the privilege to go on the Military Honor Flight to Washington DC. Just recently he was presented with a Quilt of Valor at Thomas Rest Haven, and at the age of 95 he still enjoyed attending the Legion meetings.

Bernard loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holiday gatherings were a treat for him to get to see most of them at one time. In his spare time Bernard enjoyed gathering black walnuts in the fall and kept busy shelling the walnuts during the winter. Family and friends benefited from the fruits of his labor.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marita Meiners; his children, Dale (Mary) Meiners of Carroll, David (Jane) Meiners of Varna, IL, Cathleen (Larry) Nees of Coon Rapids, Christine (Mark) Schultes of Dedham, and Gary (Barb) Meiners of Manson; 19 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren with 2 more coming in October; a brother Anthony (Colleen) Meiners of Carroll; 2 sisters, Catherine Wittrock of Carroll and Marcella Naberhaus of Carroll; his sisters-in-laws, Margaret (Tom) Denker of Manning, and Pat (Joe) Goblirsch of Jesup. He is also survived by Marita’s children, Richard (Sandy) Eickman of Omaha, NE, James (Joni) Eickman of Dyer, TN, Dave (Joan) Eickman of Macungie, PA, Randy (Rose) Eickman of Coon Rapids, Nancy Eickman and Jim Springer of Warren, NJ, and Karen Heck of Delano, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernard was preceded in death by his first wife Dolores S. Meiners; a son Daniel J. Meiners; Marita’s son Bill Eickman; his parents Bernard and Catherine Meiners; his brothers John (Margaret) Meiners, Albert (Frances) Meiners; his brothers-in-law Clarence Wittrock, Norbert Naberhaus, Cletus (Emaline) Halbur, Norman (Inez) Halbur, Larry (JoAnn) Halbur; his brother-in-law, William (Marie) Halbur; Dolores’ parents, William and Frances Halbur, and stepmother-in-law, Josephine Halbur.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernard T. Meiners, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Tribute Wall

To the Mikkelsen family, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I first met Don when he ran for School Board at the Carroll Community School. He won the election and turned out to be a valuable member of the board. There were times when I came to the home of Don and Louise and we sat in the living room and talked "school business". I sure valued his advice. I also enjoyed going to a local establishment after a board meeting and having a beer with him, other board members. and a few administrators. May Don rest in peace.

Vern Henkenius – November 21 2020 at 11:36 AM

My condolences I met both Don and Louis through the nursing home , he kept us all on our toes. Sending heart felt prayers to the family and know he is now in Gods hands now and has his angel wings. Deb Kuehl

Deb Kuehl – November 21 2020 at 2:11 PM

Seeing this makes me sad and yet joyful for Donnie. He has been set free from his earthly pains. Donnie and Louise were our neighbors growing up but not just that they were good friends with my parents, and oddly enough when our Mother went to the nursing home, who were her neighbors up there, Donnie and Louise. I guess some things are just meant to be. Good neighbors and good friends. Now they will be partying up in Heaven. I am sure he is so happy being back with his beloved Louise. RIP Donnie. Steve, Mark, Jane, Kay Lynn and Scott you have my deep sympathy. He loved you all so much.

Cindy Sporrer – November 22 2020 at 8:28 AM

My sympathy to the family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

Becki Miller – November 22 2020 at 10:49 AM

Don was a great leader with dreams of making things better. You can be proud of your dad n family ! To all of your families. Our condolences Jerry n Reen

jerry rupiper – November 23 2020 at 11:23 AM

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