Mervin Mikkelson Obituary

Mervin H. Mikkelson, age 95, of Toronto, SD, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be 2 pm Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Leganger Lutheran Church in Toronto, SD with Rev. Katie Pauly officiating. Burial will be in the Mikkelson Cemetery, rural Toronto. Visitation will be 5 - 7 pm with a 7 pm Prayer Service on Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Leganger Lutheran Church in Toronto and will resume Saturday one hour prior to the service.
Mervin Harold Mikkelson was born on June 13, 1929 to Henry and Nettie (Rodberget) Mikkelson on the family farm near Toronto, South Dakota. He was raised on the farm near Toronto, SD where he attended the Mikkelson Country School through the 8th grade. Following his education, he worked on the family farm and became the 3rd generation on the family homestead.
Mervin was united in marriage to Mildred Tribitt on June 6, 1957 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clear Lake, SD. The couple lived and farmed the Mikkelson homestead where they raised their family. Mervin loved to farm and lived his entire life on the family farm west of Toronto.
He was a life-long member of Leganger Lutheran Church in Toronto. Mervin had a love for animals, and they always had animals on the farm. Fond and loving memories were made of all the rabbits, raccoons, and pigeons brought home to raise. Mervin taught his kindness and generosity through his actions. He was a creature of habit. Mervin felt the old way worked-there was no need to change anything. He felt the Internet was unpredictable, and there was never a tractor built better than an Oliver. He loved his antique tractors and working on the machinery he grew up with. He was soft-spoken and dearly loved. His smile was contagious, and he brought sunshine to the rooms he entered and the people he encountered.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Mildred Mikkelson; six children: Darrel (Kathy) Mikkelson, Toronto, SD, Linda (Glen) Olene, Watertown, SD, Harlan (Merlina) Mikkelson, Box Elder, SD, Marlan Mikkelson, Toronto, SD, Karen (Wayne) Sween, White, SD, and Kristine Oliverson, Watertown, SD; grandchildren: Travis (Kara) Pieschke, Tracy (Chris) Gribble, Quint Oliverson, Melissa (Jeremy) Phillips, Megan Sween, Kayla (Jason) Christofferson, Katie (Paul) Meyer, Waylon Sween, Merlan Mikkelson (Kimberly Hiechel), Henry Mikkelson, Christopher Mikkelson (Topaz Grace), Megan Bailey, Jaycob Adam and Byrce Hitt; 21 great grandchildren; in-laws: Karen (Mike) Schuelke, Janice Switzenberg, Kathleen (Bob) Tollrud, Alyce Skarlokken, Lloyd (Robin) Tribitt, Robert (Diane) Tribitt, and Harold (Pat) Tribitt; and many nieces and nephews.
Mervin was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Myrtle, Norma, Cora and Irene.
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