Rodney Mikkelsen, 74, has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
Behind every name is a life, and behind every life are the people who loved it.
Born in 1950, Rodney began a life that would touch many along the way.
Rodney spent his working life as ['Medic during the Vietnam War and spent some time in Germany'] and held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Service is its own kind of love — quiet, steady, often unseen.
Rodney Mikkelsen, 74 of Viborg, passed away at his home on January 20, 2025. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Friday, January 24, 2025 at Spring Valley Lutheran Church, Viborg, with a visitation beginning at 12:00 PM. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. Rodney Mikkelsen was born on September 26, 1950 in Yankton, South Dakota to Kermit and Lavonne (Larsen) Mikkelsen. He was later joined by his sister Jeanne. He graduated from Irene High School in 1969 and attended Watertown Trade School for Carpentry. On November 11, 1971 Rodney enlisted in the United States Army. He worked as a Medic during the Vietnam War and spent some time in Germany. He returned to Ft. Riley, KS to finish his time. Rodney was Honorably Discharged on November 9, 1973. After his active duty, Rodney became the manager of the Fullerton Lumber Company in Yankton and Fort Dodge, IA until 1986. After that he returned to the Irene area to farm crops and raise hogs. He retired in 2008 and moved to Viborg. Rodney was married to Carla Sorensen for a short time, and they adopted their son Marty. From 1986 to 1997 he was married to Mary Jo Harrison and helped raise her boys Matt and Kyle Dennis. On July 25, 2021, Rodney was united in marriage to Sharon Ness. He enjoyed cruising around town in his golf cart and watching local and professional sports. Rodney will be missed. He is survived by his step-children Rodney, Jr. (Becky) of Kokomo, MS, Roger (Pam) of Wakonda, Robbie of Sioux Falls, Matt (Carolyn) Dennis and Kyle (Katie) Dennis, step-grandchildren Brooke, Cody, Tyler, Destiny and Braylee Ness; step-grandchild Tiffany Neyens; two step-great-grandchildren Cason Ness and NJ Powell, and dog Penny. Rodney is preceded in death by his parents Kermit and Lavonne, sister Jeanne, and wife Sharon on January 4, 2024.
