Venita Reneé Mikkelson

Venita Reneé Willson Mikkelson

Reneé Mikkelson, age 62 of Marshalltown, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa with her loving family at her side.

Reneé was born of February 9, 1963 to Jerry and Marcy (Foran) Willson. Reneé attended Marshalltown schools.

Reneé met Loren Mikkelson and they were married on October 27, 1984. They together had one daughter and later divorced.

After returning to Marshalltown, Reneé worked at Party Pac Popcorn and Walmart for many years. She then went to nursing school and got a degree as a Nurses Aid. She worked at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center and then was currently working at the Iowa Veterans Home. Reneé enjoyed reading, diamond painting, being with her family and her dog, Eloise and cat, Pai Pai.

Reneé was a firm believer in organ donation. The family worked with the Iowa Donor Network which meant that she was able to donate both her kidneys to two different individuals while her body tissues will additionally be able to help up to 150 individuals which would make her both impressed and happy.

Reneé is survived by her daughter, Hannah (Benny) Ramirez of Marshalltown, Iowa; four grandchildren, Mariana (Dylano) Castellanos of San Clemente, California and Mando, Ray and Matthew Ramirez of Marshalltown, Iowa; her siblings, Lori (Doug) Fischer of Carrollton, Texas, Mary (Joe) Galletta of Cheektowaga, New York and Charlie Willson of Covelo, California. Her family sisters Jannell (Mark) Austin and Kelli (Ryan) Walsh both of Marshalltown, Iowa and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her in-laws, Don and Darlene Mikkelson and many other family members.

In lieu of flowers, family is requesting memorial donations to be directed to the Iowa Donor Network in Altoona, Iowa or the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown.

A celebration of life for Reneé will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in casual attire. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown, Iowa on Monday, August 11, 2025. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Reneé’s obituary is lovingly written by her family.