Gerald “Jerry” Mikkelson, 80, Pittsville, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Clark County Rehab and Living Center, Owen.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Buchanan/Rembs Funeral Home, Pittsville, with visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 153, Pittsville at the funeral home following the service.

Jerry was born on January 18, 1946 in Janesville to Lyle and Hazel (Lawrence) Mikkelson. After a move to Cincinnati, Ohio in his younger years, the family returned to Edgerton, where he graduated from Edgerton High School in 1966. He went on to serve in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968.

He was united in marriage to Roberta (Bobbi) Smith from December 10, 1966 until the time of her death in 1997. He was later united in marriage to Francine Jones until the time of her death in 2018.

He worked for Dorsey Trailer in Edgerton for a short time following his return from active duty, and then began working for the City of Janesville Street Department in 1969, where he retired in 2001 after 32 years of service.

He loved being outside and enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting his guns, rendezvousing with a special group of friends, making maple syrup in the spring, spending time with the people he held close in his heart, and taking the scenic route to wherever it was he was headed. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 475 and VFW Post 7131, where he served as Post Commander from 2022 to 2025.

He is survived by his fiance, Linda Doeseckle, children: Karen Mikkelson, Brian (Lisa) Mikkelson, Jodi (Kris) Krukowski, and Wendy Williams, grandchildren: Carly (Mike) Shafer, Jared (Breanna) Mikkelson, Bailey (Hayley) Palmer, Tori (Austin) English, and Elijah Anderson, great-grandchildren: Kolten, Noah, Roman, Elijah, Taya, Parker, Jaxon, Waylon, and Addie, as well as many brother- and sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Hazel, loving wives, Bobbi and Francine, son, Troy, and brothers, Ray and George.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Fallon and Kirsten of St. Croix Hospice and the staff at Clark County for their exceptional care of our sweet papa. A very special thank you to Desira for loving him like he was her own and to the guys on 1 West for being so supportive and kind.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VFW Post 7131, Pittsville or The Highground Veterans Memorial Project, Neillsville.