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George Mikan Obituary
Six-foot-10 with thick glasses, Mikan was so effective as a center at DePaul that he forced the NCAA to adopt the goaltending rule.
Mikan had suffered from diabetes and kidney failure. One leg was amputated several years ago, and he recently was hospitalized for six weeks for treatment of a diabetes wound in the other leg. He also underwent kidney dialysis three days a week.
Last Saturday, he was moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation center, his son, Terry, said. He died Wednesday night, according to family members.
Mikan's Lakers won five of the first six NBA titles after the league was formed in 1948. He averaged 23.1 points per game in seven seasons with Minneapolis before retiring because of injuries in 1956. Mikan was the league's MVP in its inaugural 1948-49 season, when he averaged 28.3 points in leading the Lakers to the NBA title.
A statue was erected in honor of the NBA Hall of Famer outside the Target Center in Minneapolis.
In recent years, Mikan has spoke out against the small pensions given to those who played in the league before 1965. Terry Mikan said most of his father's awards and memorabilia had been sold. Mikan received a monthly pension check of $1,000, his son said.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
167 Entries
April 8, 2020
IT GIVES ME SUCH COMFORT AS I READ ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS PEOPLE SAID ABOUT MY FATHER, THE LATE GEOTGE L. MIKAN!!
I AM MAUREEN MIKAN , HIS YOUNGEST CHILD , AND NOT ONLY WAS MY FATHER A HUMBLE AND KIND MAN, BUT HE WAS A WONDERFUL DAD AND GAVE ME SO MUCH AND I MISS HIM EVERY SINGLE DAY. \ MY MOTHER AND FATHER ARE TOGETHER AGAIN AND I KNOW THEY ARE WATCHING OVER ME. THANK YOU DAD FOR BEING THE GREAT ROLE MODEL IN MY LIFE. MISSYOU SO MUCH! REENIE BADEENIE ...YOUR BABY!
June 1, 2018
George will be missed but, remember the memories of his life can bring comfort for all family's and friends at this time of sorrow. God's will is, to strengthen and provides peace from 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17. My sincere condolences!
Harry Simpson
June 1, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
How you can show support
Eric Mikan
December 6, 2009
Eric Mikan; John's side
Miracle
May 28, 2008
I'm sorry hear about a lost, I would like to share a scripture with the family to bring comfort at John11:25(Jesus said that I am the resurrection and the life he that exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life)
brandon daniels murphy
August 29, 2007
i remember watching george mikan play the syracuse nationals when i was for and i just want to say thanks for the memories.
Nathaniel Huot
April 19, 2007
My friend Joey has a grandpa who was on the team George gave a speach to before a state basketball game
yates congleton
January 17, 2007
thank you George!
Denise Mikan-Millet
September 29, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Mikan Family.
I am so sorry we never met.
Tony Harris
September 23, 2006
I miss you George.
Giovanni Azzarelli
July 29, 2006
To the man who made it all possible!
Branislav mikan
July 9, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Tod Seibold
June 20, 2006
This is a much belated thank you to Patricia and George.
I'm so sorry for your loss Pat. George was a wonderful human being. As much as he gave on the court the two of you both gave even more of yourselves to many others. Some of whom you may not even realize how much so.
Both Pat and George were integral in helping guide my early sobbriety as a young man many years ago. Now after 25 years I was looking for the Mikans to assist me further in giving back to others what their guidance gave me so many years before. I was saddened to learn at such a late date of George's passing. A loss to us all and a testament to giving more than he received.
Once again...thank you George and Patricia. My life was improved by both of you.
Andrew Kitchens
June 2, 2006
I was very privileged to enjoy lunch with Slater Martin yesterday in Houston, Texas (he looks great!) and he shared story after story about the quality and character of George Mikan, and what an experience it was to play with him. A particularly funny story he shared was about one night before the Lakers were about to play the Globetrotters (in Chicago I think he said) before over 20,000 spectators. George, while still in the pre-game locker room was leading a player "cous" by demanding $100 per player from Max Winter (Laker's GM) or the Laker players would not take the court. George wanted to take care of his teammates. Long story short - after some Max Winter threats (he was a notoriously thrifty GM, so I understand) George was the first Laker out of the locker room door and onto the court. The team obediently followed him. Never another word was said about the $100.
I was, and am, truly humbled, and I might add, envious, of that era. While I have appreciated Mr. Mikan's contribution to professional basketball for many years now, I have only recently discovered the quality of human being he was. I can only pray the NBA will see the selfishness and blindness of their ways and compensate these living legends (and in the case with George, and many others, their relatives) because it is truly deserved. God bless George, Slater, and all those "founding fathers" of the wonderful game of basketball!
donald arant
March 25, 2006
A great role model in sports. A great man period. Unfortunately we don't have men like George in sports today.
Kenneth Robinson
January 27, 2006
Sir, I never saw you play, but my grandfather and my father attended some games in the old Minneapolis Auditorium and they would tell great stories about you. To my grandfather, and my dad, you were the perfect gentlemen, and I feel as if I can say the same thing about you, you are a true gentlemen.
I still am sadden by your passing, but I know that you are in heaven playing against Wilt and enjoying life on a higher level.
Mr. Mikan, you will be missed. Thank you for many great memories.
Kenny
deb & Gary Quaife
July 7, 2005
Terry,
Our thoughts are with you and yours. We know how much you admired and loved your Dad.
As much as you miss your Big Guy, we miss you too.
deb & Gary
Patrick Carroll
June 30, 2005
Had the opportunity to attend Mr. Mikan's service in Scottsdale, AZ a few weeks ago. It's obvious George was all about family. As he looks from above I'm sure he feels his proudest accomplishment is the creation of his family/legacy. A loving husband, father, grandfather.
ALWAYS REMEMBERED/NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Nicole Reese
June 29, 2005
I am too young to have ever seen George Miken play in person. However ,I am not too young to recognize the impact that he had on the game and on the lives of those that he was fortunate enough to touch. We will all miss his dignity, character and warmth . I pray that God will touch the Miken family and bring them consolation during this difficult period. George , you will be truly missed but never forgotten.
Mark Yasuda
June 25, 2005
I have long been an admirer of George Mikan's achievements and contributions to the game of basketball.
Perhaps, then, this is an appropriate forum to bring to light a perhaps unknown statistical fact related to this great basketball pioneer. And that is that the late George Mikan still owns one NBA record that may very well never be broken.
When George Mikan scored 61 points in a 1952 game against Rochester, he scored more than 67 percent of his team's 91 points in that game. That's a truly game-dominating performance. And it exceeds Wilt Chamberlain's "scoring percentage" in Wilt's famous 100 point game: in fact, Wilt's 100 points were less than 60 percent of his team's 169 point total.
But George Mikan had an even better "scoring percentage" outing back in 1950. In the NBA's lowest scoring game, Mikan scored 15 of his team's 18 points. That's an incredible 83.3 percent of his team's game total. That is definitely one NBA record that might never be broken, and his dominance in these games provides some indication of why Madison Square Garden saw fit to display the famous 1949 marquee "Geo. Mikan vs Knicks".
For context, I list a few other great "scoring percentage" performances below (note: this may be an incomplete listing -- it's what my research could come up with). George Mikan is the only player to appear more than once on the list.
1. George Mikan in 1950: 15 points; team 18; percentage: 83.3
2. George Mikan in 1952: 61 points; team 91: percentage: 67.0
3. David Robinson in 1994: 73 points; team 112; percentage: 63.4
4. George Mikan in 1952: 47 points; team 78; percentage: 60.3
5. Wilt Chamberlain in 1962: 100 points; team 169; percentage: 59.2
6. Michael Jordan in 1990: 69 points; team 117; percentage 59.0
7. Joe Fulks in 1949: 63 points; team 108; percentage: 58.3
- Mark Yasuda
Sandy Cecere
June 16, 2005
Our love and prayers to the Mikan family in the sad loss of George. We have wonderful memories of your family, and we are praying for all of you in your time of grief.
The Cecere Family, Edina Minnesota
Judy Green
June 16, 2005
To the Family of George Mikan..
I wish you peace with the loss of your great George. I can't express how I felt when I heard he had passed and that he lived in Scottsdale. I grew up, and my grandfather spent many hours in Mikans tavern in Illinois. George when in town and his brother Eddie taught me to rollerscate at the roller rink next to the tavern. I was only about six years old and they were a little older and soooo tall. Its one of my wonderful childhood memories and had I known George was living in Scottsdale I certainly would have tried to get to meet with him...I didn't know him really,but loved him dearly..
To all his family I wish you peace and love...Sincerely Judy Gruenwald Green...My grandfather was Bill Dolan..we lived with my grandparents while my dad was in WW2
We were right up the hill on Pasadena Avenue...Old memories for sure. So how old were George & Eddie then..? Gosh...
Ty
June 14, 2005
Expressing my condolences and saying thx to someone who played a major role in the world of professional basketball
kenneth varmall sr.
June 9, 2005
REST IN PEACE NUM#99
YOU ARE THE STANDARD BY WHICH EVERY YOUNG BASKETBALL CENTER HAS TO PLAY BY. YOU ARE " THE MAN".
GOD BLESS YOU GEORGE
Bill & Diane Dean
June 8, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Mikan family.GOD you promised, "YOU will never leave us nor forsake us" This day you are honoring every soul who ever heard of this great child of yours with this promise, as you retire #99.
We who had the great privilege to meet Mr.George Mikan the man, always felt so honored at his humble demeanor around us. We were in the presence of the greatest b-b player of our generation, and of generations to come, he treated us like we were the most important people around. GOD one of your greatest is now home with you, please continue to lead others to follow in the steps of both of you.
Admiration forever from a fan who had the great pleasure to caddy for you as a 15 year old boy and play golf with you as a 55 year old man. GOD WILL BLESS YOU MR.GEORGE MIKAN, and HE will watch over your family.
Annika Hansen
June 7, 2005
I went to the same school as George Mikan Jr. (Mike) in Edina in the 70's & 80's and admired the stories told by him. I accidentally came across the write-up of George Mikan [Sr.'s] death and my condolescences go out to the whole family. God speed, Annika (Dale) Hansen
Nicki (Weidt) Nordell
June 7, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the Mikan family. I remember Laker games as a child...the Big Man, George Mikan and his teammates, Whitey Skoog, Slater Martin, Clyde Lovellette... and the list goes on...but...the Big Man was my hero. I was so privileged to have known him as a family friend back in those days.. and was remembered by George when I stopped to greet him at a Gopher BB game not so many years ago! What a guy!...Always had a smile and warm handshake in spite of his many pains. I'll always treasure the memory of the Big Man who was never too big to be a friend to everyone. God Bless you all in this time of sorrow and in the days to come. I hope all the wonderful memories make the void seem less painful.
Daniel Teefy
June 6, 2005
George Mikan, wow what a player. As we all know the 1st superstar of the NBA. I know the name from my father, teaching me the history of the game. Then the "Mikan Drill", I have coached for over 20 yrs. and every yr my kids did the"Mikan Drill". 1 a great drill, 2 teach them the history of the game. When he past my 10yr old daughter knew who your dad was because of the drill and the book I have. NBA Championships, 1970. Great book teaches kids the history. So thanks to your dad being the great team player he was. He made basketball what it is today. He'll be missed but always remembered.
Ed Edafan
June 6, 2005
I feared you, when I first started listening to the Boston Celtics. Then we got our great announcer Johnny Most and our great center Bill Russell.
God bless you.
Shane Barnett
June 6, 2005
I want to give my condolences and very many thanks for making the Lakers a main part of my life. I have always loved basketball and Mr. Miken was without a doubt the first and the best of the big men. Thank you George, for everything.
Barb & Lyle Koste
June 6, 2005
To the Mikan Family especially Trish and Doug: It has been a very long time, but we attended your wedding. Doug is my cousin (Lyle's). We were very saddened to hear of the passing of your father. He was a great man and did many great things for many many people! My wife and I met your father for the first time in your reception line at your wedding. It was with awe my wife stared up at your father. A very tall man in deed. We hope that he can now rest in peace and that you will find peace in all the fond memories you have of him. Take care of each other -- Lyle and Barb Koste
Pat Stavely
June 6, 2005
Although I did not personally know Mr. Mikan, I am expressing condolences on behalf of my mother, Betty Ciancanelli who grew up with George in Joliet Illinois. She is 88 years young and remembers George and his family fondly. She asked me about his other siblings, by name...
I, as a child, can remember going to Joliet to visit and going to "Mikan's" and seeing all the proud pictures of George adorning the walls. Our prayers are with you. I'm sure there will be a few hoops made in Heaven....
colleen horan
June 5, 2005
My Dad played basketball with Mr. Mikan and the Minneapolis Lakers. Well, not really. As my father told me the story many times..."I fell off the end of the bench when George Mikan came out of retirement."
Close enough for me. My prayers are with your family.
Dave
June 5, 2005
In this day and age where young people cannot identify with a person nor player as a role model...we can remember a day where George Mikan paved the way. Thank you George for having an influence on us all.
Bruce Osborne
June 5, 2005
In the year 1955 when I was in need of what direction to take in life,Mr. Mikan was there with his help.It stays with me to this very day.
Bobby Scott
June 5, 2005
Jesus took our place that we might have his peace. Our prayers are with the Mikan Family.
John Jenkins
June 5, 2005
Thank You George Mikan. You and your Minneapolis team members created the Laker dynasty. My condolences to the Mikan family.
JP Bachmann
June 5, 2005
What a great man!
Thanks for the memories as I sat by the radio down in my little town in southern Minnesota when I was a child listening to ALL the games. My brother probably still has all the scorebooks, as he never missed the games. We loved the Minneapolis Lakers and ALL the players! George, you were a hero for many.
Our sympathies to you all.
Bob Vartdal
June 5, 2005
He will always be a "hero" in my book. His memory will live on with our generation.
James W. Gibson Gibson
June 5, 2005
This to Terry. You may not remember me. Iwas the officer in charge of the ComSubPac basketball team when you played there for us. I met your father when he came out to see you. You have my sincerest sympathy. Jim Gibson LCDR USN (ret.)
Art Connelly
June 5, 2005
My dad and I used to go to the Lakers games at the Minneapolis Auditorium. When George Mikan came to speak to the Holy Name Society at Incarnation Church one Sunday morning I couldn't believe what a gentle and wonderful person he was. I shook his hand and looked straight into his belt buckle. An experience I shall never ever forget. May his soul rest in peace.
Fr. Casimir Zielinski, O. Carm
June 5, 2005
My prayers and Holy Masses for George and family. Fr. Cas (former neighbor and fellow worker, summer vacation, at the Ruberoid Plant.)
Rita Pepper
June 5, 2005
Pat and kids,
You have my deepest sympathy and condolences. God bless you all.
Rita
Jacqueline Riley
June 5, 2005
To the Mikan Family, I would like to send you my deepest sympathies on the death of your Father. Even though I have been a avid fan of basketball for 5 1/2 years now, I am very interested in the early pioneers of the game. George Mikan will forever be remembered as the truly first "big man" in the sport of basketball. In the relativly short time Mr. Mikan was playing basketball he has left an indelible mark on the sport that will never be equalled.
alex ferraz
June 5, 2005
i knew of mr. mikan from my late father who cut out photo clips and news from newspapers here in manila and kept it in a file together with many old nba greats like russel and wilt. i never saw him play but judging from the news releases, people saw his abilities which transcended basketball to new heights. God Bless your soul, mr. mikan.
Guy Eldridge
June 4, 2005
The sports world has lost a true legend, but GOD has gained an angel
Love you and my prayers go out to your family.
Joanne Holets
June 4, 2005
I grew up in Edina and have many fond memories of seeing George Mikan and the Lakers play. My father would take me and my brothers to many games. It was a wonderful time in our life.
God bless you and your family.
donald jamison
June 4, 2005
May his soul rest in peace.
Milton LIPSMAN
June 4, 2005
I remember George Mikan as the big basketball player that played pro-ball in Moline, Illinos, against the Blackhawks. He could control a game and win many fans. He was a legend and will continue to be a legend for all aspiring basketball players. May he rest in peace.
MARK WEISS
June 4, 2005
TO THE FAMILY OF GEORGE MIKAN I HAVE BEEN A BASKETBALL FAN SINCE THE EARLY 1960'S WHEN THE LAKERS MOVED TO CALIFORNIA. I SAW JERRY WEST,ELGIN BAYLOR AND WILT CHAMBERLAIN, KAREEM ABDUAL JABBAR,MAGIC JOHNSON AND ALOT OF OTHER GREAT BASKETBALL PLAYERS I WOULD TO HAVE SEEN GEORGE PLAY BUT HE WAS BEFORE MY TIME
jimmy conner
June 4, 2005
The good lord gained another good athlete!!
His sprit is in a much better place free from agnony and suffering!
David Eastman
June 4, 2005
The best big man to play the game. Seeing him play was all you needed. All centers who came after him in the NBA owe their career to Big George. A class player and a class man.
Taurus Eastland
June 3, 2005
You were one of the greatest and I would like to say thanks big guy. May you Rest In Peace.....100 ups
Mike Riordan
June 3, 2005
I have an autographed picture from George Mikan to me hanging in my basement. In the picture, he cuts an awesome figure in his Laker uniform dribbling a basketball. It is a wonderful conversation piece.
I never met Mr. Mikan but, when I lived in Chicago, I worked with one of Billy Donato's sons. Billy was one of Mr. Mikan's teammates on the great DePaul teams. There is a famous photo, of which I wish I had a copy, of the diminutive Mr. Donato dribbling through Mr. Mikan's legs. It is a classic. Legend has it that Coach Meyer would have George play defense against Billy in practice so that George could improve his footwork.
Mr. Mikan gave the personally autographed picture to Mr. Donato's son in Minneapolis in 1994 as the younger Donato told Mr. Mikan I had great admiration for him.
George Mikan was a class act. May he rest in peace.
Joe Nowotny
June 3, 2005
I grew up in Minneapolis, was a big fan of the Lakers and attended many games at the Auditorium and the Armory. George Mikan and the Lakers were great role models. Thank you George.
rorry mikan
June 3, 2005
i love you
E.W. Muehlhausen
June 3, 2005
George Mikan a part of all of us that grew up in the early 50's in Minnesota and else where. Thank's for the memories.
Wiliam Stigall
June 3, 2005
George Mikan will always be missed by basketball fans all over the world. Most known for his famous hook shot. George Mikan made his way as one of the fifty greatest players to ever play the game.
Jack Lindley
June 3, 2005
We could do with a few like George today. George was an inspiration to the youth of America. May he rest in peace and his name be remembered forever.
Jack
Robert Shogren
June 3, 2005
In 1952, our family moved from Eau Claire, WI to Edina, MN and I was disappointed at first. However, after I realized I could watch George Mikan and the Lakers, my attitude changed. The games were great; Mikan was outstanding and in high school, I used to drive the Mikan home in the Mirror Lakes section of Edina and see the Laker image by the front door. Memories of George and the Minneapolis Lakers will last a lifetime.
Bob Shogren
Justin Miller
June 3, 2005
what a guy
Glenn Jorgensen
June 3, 2005
My sincere condolences to the Mikan family and to all who loved and admired Mr. Mikan. I am not as big a fan of basketball as I am of baseball, but I have long known that George Mikan was a near-mythological figure in the history of basketball. The more I read about him, the more impressed I become.
Mukul Nerurkar
June 3, 2005
I never had the priviledge of watching George Mikan in a game. He was definitely way before my time. But, as I became more of a basketball fan, and watching all those NBA Entertainment videos, and ESPN NBA classic photos, I have so much appreciation for Mr. Mikan. It is very rare that the opposing team and the opposing team's fans have such respect for a single basketball player, and Mikan earned that respect. I am a Shaq fan, since he's the center of my generation, and my favorite player, I was so moved when he paid homage to Mr. Mikan by saying that "without #99, there would be no me". But that just goes to show you how great a person he must have been. Players of today's generation don't really respect players of the 50s, but Mikan commanded that respect. My condolences go out to the Mikan family as well.
Vic P.
June 3, 2005
A giant in the game of life. You will be forever remembered even by thoose you never met.
Gina Kaju
June 3, 2005
To the Mikan family,and a great family to all. I was fortunate enough to grow up with Maureen Mikan and got to know the Mikan family. We had many memorable times at the Mikan household. George was a big man with a tender heart and I will forever remember him as a 'gentle'man. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to Patsy, Maureen,Trisha, Larry, Terry and Mike. I love you all.
Alice Bryant
June 3, 2005
In addition to being a great athlete, George was a great human being and devoted friend to many. My condolences to his wonderful family who I had the privledge of personally knowing and working with.
Al Druskin
June 3, 2005
As a youngster in junior high in the 50's you and the Minneapolis Lakers were the most exciting and motivating influence in a young man's life. I would take the bus to the Mpls Auditorium to see Saturday and Sunday games and listen to Dick Enroth broadcast evening and road games. You made the city come alive with excitement when you decided to return in mid-season after a year of retirement. The game was at the Mpls Armory and I was fortunate enough to attend. Though not particularly important perhaps you can suggest Shaq shoot his free throws underhanded as you did - so very well. Thank you for the great memories and showing us how a true sportsman conducts himself. Hats off to you Mr. George Mikan.
Neil Simonson
June 3, 2005
The Peace of the Lord be with you, Mr. Basketball. I wish I could find the picture of me with you from 1957.
I'll never forget it when you stood next to Cubby Oscarson dwarfing our "movie star like, Big Man" from the Wheaton Central Warriors.
Bobby Carroll
June 3, 2005
In 1952, I was stricken with polio. A day or two after I got out of isolation, I received the postcard I am holding in my hand right now. It was from George Mikan. He opened with: "Just a little note from a little guy...", and closed with: "I'm looking forward to meeting you; so hurry up & get well & maybe we can play basketball together. Your friend, Geo L. Mikan"
I'll never forget the day I received that card, and will always remember the kindness Mr. Mikan showed me in the years that followed. He sent me signed pictures, and a basketball signed by all the Lakers. Thank you George.
Steve Johnson
June 3, 2005
George Mikan was a class act throughout his whole life. An appropriate symbol of respect would be to have four of the greatest living NBA centers bear his casket.
dan cormier
June 3, 2005
thank you very much
MARK,LISA,&NICK GROWE
June 3, 2005
I WAS TOO YOUNG TO KNOW OF GEORGE MIKAN IN HIS PRIME BASKETBALL DAYS, BUT I DO FEEL I KNOW OF HIM IN A MORE PERSONAL WAY. YOU SEE, MY FAMILY IS CLOSE FRIENDS OF HIS NEPHEW CHARLIE AND HIS FAMILY. IN THEIR HOME, THEY HAVE PICTURES ON THE WALL OF GEORGE AND STORIES TO TELL. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD AND READ, HE WAS A GREAT BASKETBALL PLAYER, AND AN EVEN BETTER MAN THAT THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, HAS TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLE. I HOPE HE CAN REST IN PEACE KNOWING ALL THE GOOD HE HAS DONE. SO WITH ALL THAT SAID AND DONE, WE WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE ENTIRE MIKAN FAMILY AND SAY THAT IT AN HONOR TO CALL YOU FRIENDS.
David Wollkind
June 3, 2005
People these days don't seem to remember how dominant a player George Mikan really was. Before he had played a NBL regular season game Mikan led the Chicago American Gears to a title in what was called the World Professional Basketball Tournament. The next season he led the Gears to the NBL championship and the season after that he led the Minneapolis Lakers to the same title. Then when the Lakers entered the NBA (actually the BAA that first year) he led them to five titles in six years missing only in the year he played against the Rochester Royals in the Western Conference finals on a broken ankle. That is the sort of dominance one associates with Bill Russell and Michael Jordan but he was the Wilt Chamberlain of his era as well. Nobody has ever dominated professional basketball as Mikan did given that he also led the Lakers to exhibition victories over the Harlem Globetrotters during the time when all the best African Americans were playing with Abe Saperstein's team. He will be missed.
Richard Radtke
June 3, 2005
When I lived in California, and watched the Lakers; they were always talking about George Mikan. I never got to see him play, but I know he must have been good, because they said he was the FIRST BIG MAN to play in the NBA. May the Lord be with the family and friends of George Mikan.
Jon Kopplin
June 3, 2005
To Minnesota's first professional sports superstar. Thank you so much for paving the way for the games and teams we love today.
Gary Armstrong
June 3, 2005
Terry,
To you and your family I offer my condolences and prayers on the passing of your father. A great basketball player, a great man and most importantly, a great father. I only wish he could have helped me a little at St. Thomas! I wish you the best!
Your old teammate,
Gary Armstrong
Debbie
June 3, 2005
I would guess that most females my age (early 40's) don't know who George Mikan is, however I grew up hearing about him from my father and what a great player he was. I was very excited to meet him on a plane trip about 20 years ago and tell my father about it. What a great man and what a wonderful legacy to ALL. My condolences to your family.
Jeffery Kayl
June 3, 2005
To a great man and great champion!! He will be missed!
Otto Karl Stohr
June 3, 2005
What a dominant team they were, the MINNEAPOLIS Lakers: Mikan, Pollard, "Slater", Mikkleson, but most of all there was George Mikan, a "non-pareil" in his time! He literally "lit up" that dark old auditorium, he lit up the sky! I am so very sad at this passing; he is sorely missed.
Troy Lundquist
June 3, 2005
George was a class act and will be dearly missed. Growing up in Minnesota and hearing the name Mikan, meant at legend. My parents used to tell me how great he was and how fun it was to watch him play. My prayers are with his family.
Bradley Hoyt
June 3, 2005
George was a great player and a greater friend. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Condolences to Pat, Larry, Terry, Mike, Trish and their families.
Bill McBride
June 3, 2005
George was my hero when I was a child (in the late 40's and early 50's and he remains my hero today. I used to listen to the Lakers on the radio (hey - we had no TV then) and I could not wait for the Laker theme song to begin: "there's Mikan and Mick and Pollard too . . .". I was fortunate to attend one Laker b-ball game around 1950 in old Mpls. auditorium and see "Big Geoge" play. This was not only the highlight of my young days but still remains a highlight today!
Mr. Basketball, George, was not only a great player but a great man. Today's players are standing much taller because they are building on a great foundation and standing on the shoulders of the "gentle giant".
My sympathy to George's family. He was a role model for all of us.
Bill McBride (Lorena,TX - formerly of Austin, MN)
Jerry Farrell
June 3, 2005
George Mikan was a wonderful example of human kindness. George Mikan made the world a better place because of his kind heart and gentle nature.
My prayers our with the Mikan family.
David Williams
June 3, 2005
As a basketball fan I would like to thank Mr. Mikan for paving the way for today's players. God bless you and your family.
Jason R. Moore
June 3, 2005
The basketball world has lost a true legend and icon. His impact on the game of basketball changed the game forever. There has not been a player who has truly changed the game by himself then George Mikan. A man of character, pioneer, and a hero not for what he did on the court but for how he lived his life. Thank you George I will never forget you.
Jason Moore, 37, Minneapolis
C.D. Strickland
June 3, 2005
Mr. Mikan was a "gentle giant". I never saw him play but have read numerous articles about him. He was a true gentleman on and off the court. The world and basketball are saddened by his loss. May God bless his family during this time.
Kenny Robinson
June 3, 2005
Even though I never got the chance to see you play, my father use to tell my sister and I all about how great you were. Thanks to video tapes and old game footage, I can tell that my father did not lie; you were an awesome man and you will be missed. I am proud and honored to know that legends like you, Mr. Mikan, played in Minnesota. Thank you.
Kenny Robinson
Jack Reed
June 3, 2005
Greatest player in basketball history.
David Lamusga
June 3, 2005
It is men and memories like George Mikan that make us long for the by gone days. Thanks for the memories.
Mike Morrissey
June 3, 2005
George Mikan was a great player and most of all a great person.He had time for everyone.
God bless you and your family.
Mike Morrissey
Faribault. Mn.
Doug Knutson
June 3, 2005
I grew up in Ashby, a small town in northwestern Minnesota, and had the pleasure of seeing and watching George play a game against the NY Nicks in the early 1950's at Concordia Field House in Moorhead, MN. What a thrill he gave this 12 year old! I'll never forget that stormy night! I was with my older brother Wes, who was big at the time-6'5" and was a standout basketball player for Ashby H.S. and of course George Mikan was his idol. God Bless. Doug Knutson
Ken Fagerlie
June 3, 2005
A great player and also a great Kiwanian in the Minneapolis downtown club. I had the pleasure of a golf outing with him at one of our Kiwanis golf days. He had a powerful swing and at one ocassion the club slipped from his grip and it sailed down the middle of the fairway far beyond my tee shot. It was a great day and I have a picture for my memory book
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
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Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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