Donald Mikkelson

Donald Roy Mikkelson, 79 of Devils Lake, N.D., passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Donald was born on Feb. 1, 1947, in Devils Lake to Roy and Eileen (Wilhelmi) Mikkelson, and was later raised with the care and guidance of his stepfather, Vern Dodgson.

He attended Devils Lake schools and graduated from Crary High School in 1967. He continued his education at the State School of Science in Wahpeton, N.D. On Dec. 27, 1968, Don married the love of his life, Dianne Elfman. Together they built a life filled with devotion, hard work, and deep love for their family.

Don and Dianne are the proud parents to Danae Hillebrand (Bradley), Darla Wandler, and Darin Mikkelson (Angela), who were a great source of pride and joy in his life. He was a cherished grandfather “Papa” to Krissa and Kaitlyn Hillebrand: Jaydon, Dax, and Jayley Wandler: and Alexis, James, Lauren, and Tori Mikkelson. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Wyatt, Colton, Ashlyn, Kaizlee, and Kash, who brought him immense joy. His family was the center of his world, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

Don served his country with honor as a sailor in the United States Navy, during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971. He was a proud member of the VFW Post #756 in Devils Lake and served with the Honor Guard for several years. After returning home from Vietnam, he continued his service to others as a police officer for the City of Devils Lake and later as a deputy Sheriff for Ramsey County. He also worked for many years with Schwan Wholesale of Devils Lake.

He and Dianne moved their family to Minnewaukan, N.D., where they spent 25 years before returning to Devils Lake. He built a life rooted in community, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Donald was a man known for his humor, stubborn spirit, and deep love for those closest to him. He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Don loved watching Westerns, spending time bird watching, playing cards, and sharing laughter with family and friends. His wit, his stories, and the familiar sound of his Donald Duck voice will remain treasured memories for those who loved him and his presence will be deeply missed.

He is survived by Dianne, his loving wife of 57 years; his children and their families; his loving sister, Jeanne and her husband Kelly Durbin and their sons Kody (Kayla) and Dylan; nephew Bob (Adele) Mikkelson; He is also survived by his wife’s family: Clarice Kueneman: Gary and Linda Elfman: Gordon and Joy Elfman: Donna and James Fuchs: Dwight and Sandy Elfman: Connie and Warren Swenseth, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and Joyce Carter, family member and dearest friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eileen and Vern Dodgson, Roy Mikkelson, parents-in-law Clarence and Helen Elfman, brother and sister-in-law Rick and Lynn Mikkelson, great grandson Tatum, brother-in-law Bob Kueneman, niece Barb Kueneman Gefroh, and his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the incredible care and compassion shown by Hospice, the VA Clinic in Devils Lake, and the nurses who cared for Don during his illness and to Staci Telehey, for her loving friendship and special, tender care she gave to Don.

Don will be remembered for his steady presence, nine lives he had from near death experiences throughout his lifetime, and the quiet way he showed his love every day. He will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral Services with Military Honors will be held at First United Methodist Church of Devils Lake, ND, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dayne Zachrison officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Navy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be directed to the family in Don’s memory.