Margaret Mikkelsen Obituary

January 21, 1922 - July 30, 2015 Margaret Kessel Mikkelsen passed away peacefully with grace and dignity on July 30, 2015, in La Quinta, Calif. Preceding her in death was her loving husband, William Peter Mikkelsen, MD, Clinical Professor of Surgery at USC, Chairman of the Dept. of Surgery at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan 1964-1982, Past President of Pacific Coast and Western Surgical Associations, member of the American Surgical Association, member of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles; her parents, Ruth Brodhead Kessel and John Flenniken Kessel, PhD, distinguished microbiologist, parasitologist and educator at USC and UCLA, Recipient of the Legion of Honor from France; her brother, John Delbert Kessel, DDS; and her grandson, Erik David Stern. Celebrating her life are her daughters, Christine M. Chasey (Larry), Kathryn M. Stern (Mark), and Karen Mikkelsen (John Beebee); grandchildren, Michael Chasey (Linda), John Chasey (Kristin), Spencer Roper (Erin), Lindsay, Kimberly and Brandon Stern; great-grandchildren, Nathan and Daniel Chasey, Madeline, Nolan and Korah Roper; cousin, Jolina Ward Borah; niece, Anne Kessel Gibeaut; nephews, John and James Kessel. Born January 21, 1922 in Berkeley, Calif., she spent four years of her early childhood in China. Moved to Los Angeles, Calif. in 1927, where she lived until moving to Morningside at Fullerton, Calif. in 1992 and to La Quinta, Calif. with her daughter Karen the last five years of her life. Graduated from Marlborough High School. Attended UC Berkeley and graduated from UCLA. Member of Tri Delta Sorority. Actively involved in the University of Southern California Medical Faculty Wives and Las Benevolas Assistance League of Los Angeles. Death ends a life, not a relationship. She will be remembered for her unconditional love and generosity of spirit. She will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorail Park in Glendale, Calif.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Aug. 6 to Aug. 7, 2015.
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Maggie and Dr. Mike were like parents to me when I was in college. A blessing to have known them both. Karen,you and your sisters are in my prayers.

Pam Branch

August 21, 2015

Truly one of the best persons to have graced this earth; a friend to all. Many very fond memories of time spent with she, Bill, and rest of the family.

Chuck Roper

August 7, 2015

Sending our Dear Aunt Maggie and family love and support. She was such a wonderful lady and loving mother, aunt , sister, and Grandmother. She will forever live in our hearts. Much Love, Niece Anne and family.

August 7, 2015

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