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Richard Mathias “Dick” Mikels

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Birth	:	2 Mar 1930 Iowa, USA
Death	:	16 Nov 2020 Harlan, Shelby County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Saint Mary's Cemetery, Portsmouth, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.6519012, -95.5233002
Inscription	:	MARRIED DEC. 30, 1953 LYLE - LYNN - JAYNE - CHERYL - SUE
Description	:	PLEASE NOTE PLACE OF BIRTH IN OBITUARY - - - - - - - - - - - Richard Mathias Mikels March 2, 1930 - November 16, 2020 Richard Mathias Mikels was born on March 2, 1930 to Matt and Genevieve (Fuhs) Mikels. He was born at his farm home located northwest of Portsmouth, Iowa on the Harrison and Shelby County line. He told us his head was in one county and his butt was in the other. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth where he remained a lifelong active member. At the... Read More	PLEASE NOTE PLACE OF BIRTH IN OBITUARY - - - - - - - - - - - Richard Mathias Mikels March 2, 1930 - November 16, 2020 Richard Mathias Mikels was born on March 2, 1930 to Matt and Genevieve (Fuhs) Mikels. He was born at his farm home located northwest of Portsmouth, Iowa on the Harrison and Shelby County line. He told us his head was in one county and his butt was in the other. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth where he remained a lifelong active member. At the age of four he attended Hemlock one-room country school where his oldest sister was his kindergarten teacher. Later, he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Portsmouth. He quit school after eighth grade to help farm with his dad and brothers. At the age of 15 he helped plant corn with an SC Case tractor and a new 2 row planter with steel wheels. November 1951, he was drafted into the military during the Korean War. He was chosen to join the Army Corp of Engineers stationed in France. While there he was able to see parts of Paris, France; London, England; and Rome, Italy. He also attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, often joking that she waved to him. When he returned from France in 1953, he reunited with his fiancé, Jeanette Rau and they were married December 30th that year at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Five children were born to this union. They farmed North of Portsmouth for a year, then moved to the present farm East of Portsmouth where they raised their family. Dick farmed until his retirement in 2010 but he was still the boss. He continued to live on the farm after Jeanette’s death in 2010. He and Jeanette enjoyed traveling, keeping in touch with “army buddies” over the years. They traveled with their children and friends visiting thirty-nine of the fifty states. He enjoyed music and visiting people and was known to tell a story or two to make them smile. He was known to tease the grand kids and wind them up just before leaving. He shared common sense advise like, “It is just as easy to keep the top half of the gas tank full as it is the bottom” or “The little disappointments get you ready for the big ones” and finally “Be careful”. He was an active member of Portsmouth American Legion 547 for over 65 years. He marched and carried the flag, with honor, for as long as he was able. Dick moved off of the farm in October 2016 and moved to Harlan, Iowa. While living in town, he continued to check on the farm and mow the lawn. Due to failing health he had been residing at Elm Crest Senior Living since March 2020. Dick died peacefully on November 16, 2020 having attained the age of ninety years eight months and fourteen days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette, grandson Christopher Ferry, his siblings; Veronica Klein, Ed Mikels, Raymond Mikels, Al Mikels, Eva Slaughter, and Delmar Mikels. Left to cherish his memory are his children Lyle Mikels of Harlan, Iowa; Lynn (Lori) Mikels of Newbury Park, California; Jayne (Dan) Garrison of Harlan; Cheryl (Tom) Ferry of Harlan; Sue (Bret) Chickering of Harlan; six grandchildren; Daniel Ferry, Mathew Ferry, Dylan Garrison, Rhiana Chickering, Lynsey Mikels and Timothy Mikels, five great grandchildren; Seth and Taylin Ferry, Kristofer Ferry, Devin and Regan Kramer. His sister Dolores Hicks of Manhatten Beach, California; sister-in-laws; Mae Mikels of Woodbine, IA, Phyllis Mikels of Portsmouth; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Iowa - - - - - - - - - - - KNOD Radio - Harlan, Iowa - Private Family Mass of Christian Burial for 90 year old Richard M. Mikels of Harlan will be held 10 am, Thursday, November 19th at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima in Portsmouth with burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Portsmouth. Richard passed away Monday, November 16th, at Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan. Survivors include his children: Lyle Mickels of Harlan, Lynn Mikels and wife Lori of Newbury Park, CA, Jayne Garrison and husband Dan of Harlan, Cheryl Ferry and husband Tom of Harlan, Sue Chickering and husband Bret of Harlan; 1 sister, Dolores Hicks and husband John of Manhattan Beach, CA, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Harlan is in charge of the arrangements. - - - - - - - - - -

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Richard Mathias “Dick” Mikels's memorial?
Richard Mathias “Dick” Mikels's memorial is located at: Saint Mary's Cemetery, Portsmouth, Shelby County, USA.
When did Richard Mathias “Dick” Mikels death?
Richard Mathias “Dick” Mikels death on 16 Nov 2020 in Harlan, Shelby County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Richard Mathias “Dick” Mikels's memorial?
Latitude: 41.6519012
Longitude: -95.5233002

Family Members:

Parent

Mathias “Matt” Mikels

(1888 - 1963)

Genevieve Fuhs Mikels

(1890 - 1966)

Spouse

Jeanette Eleanor “Skippy” Rau Mikels

(1933 - 2010)

Siblings

Veronica Gertrude Mikels Klein

(1914 - 2003)

Edward Nicholas Mikels

(1915 - 1970)

Raymond George Mikels

(1918 - 2004)

Alfred John Mikels

(1921 - 1988)

Delmar Jacob Mikels

(1927 - 2011)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Saint Mary's Cemetery
Portsmouth, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6519012, -95.5233002

2. Cass Township Cemetery
Portsmouth, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6272115, -95.4958362

3. Chambers Cemetery
Persia, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6018982, -95.5681000

4. Ellison Cemetery
Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6561012, -95.6260986

5. Washington Township Cemetery
Panama, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7305984, -95.4867020

6. Hawkins Cemetery
Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6458800, -95.6355000

7. Saint Marys Cemetery
Panama, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7332993, -95.4811020

8. Lincoln Township Cemetery
Harlan, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6422005, -95.4028015

9. Lytle Cemetery
Persia, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5625000, -95.5550003

10. Schley Cemetery
Persia, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5555461, -95.5419486

11. Valley View Cemetery
Persia, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5814018, -95.6324997

12. Mefferd Cemetery
Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7132200, -95.6576200

13. Saint Boniface Cemetery
Westphalia, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7219009, -95.3944016

14. Henderson Cemetery
Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6257000, -95.6794000

15. Cowan-Pardee Cemetery
Woodbine, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6976500, -95.6765000

16. Bethel Cemetery
Logan, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6239014, -95.6999969

17. Cox Cemetery
Persia, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5391998, -95.6418991

18. Champlin Cemetery
Yorkshire, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5121994, -95.5766983

19. Harlan Cemetery
Harlan, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6594505, -95.3281403

20. Spears-Graybill Cemetery
Yorkshire, Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5097008, -95.5811005

21. Saint Joseph Cemetery
Earling, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.7797012, -95.4207993

22. Greenwood Cemetery
Harrison County, USA
Coordinate: 41.6729660, -95.7257690

23. Heine Cemetery
Shelby, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5277500, -95.4033000

24. Shelby Cemetery
Shelby, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 41.5083313, -95.4511108