Paul Marcus Mikelson

Mikelson, Paul Marcus
Paul Marcus Mikelson, 84, of Bella Vista, AR, died Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at his home in Bella Vista. Paul was born on March 23, 1925 in New England, ND, the eldest son of Rev. Martin and Selma (Olson) Mikelson. In 1943, he graduated from high school in Ringling, MT and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving aboard the Attack Transport USS Alpine in the Pacific Theatre. Upon his honorable discharge, Paul attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Here he met and was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Fladager in 1948. After graduating in 1950, Paul embarked on a 40 year banking career which took him and Shirley from Maddock, Sheyenne and Grand Forks, ND to Winnetka, IL and to Bemidji, MN. He was active in many civic organizations. Paul had a zest for life and a wandering spirit. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents; sisters, Magdalene Mikelson, Pernilla Rathgeber; Rudella Halvorson; brother, John Mikelson and granddaughter, Kari Hanson. Survivors include son, Tom Mikelson (Pam) of Thompson, ND; daughter, Mary Hanson (Greg) of Bloomington, MN; brother, Reuben Mikelson (Irene) of Billings, MT; grandson, Jake Mikelson (Trish) of Northwood, ND; granddaughters, Kirsten Gensrich (Mike) of Northwood, ND; Megan Mikelson of Thompson, ND and Emily Hanson of Bloomington, MN; grandson, Anders Hanson of Bloomington, MN; four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. There will be a Family Graveside Service at Washington Lutheran Church, Rural Northwood, ND at a future date. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, AR. The family request memorials be directed to Courage Center, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55422 or to the United Lutheran Church, 100 Cooper Road, Bella Vista, AK 72715. Online condolences may be made to www.funeralmation.com.