Archived Services

Jerry Mikkelson
10-15-1987

Jerry Mikkelson, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, brother-in-law, and uncle, has finally been brought home to rest.

Jerry went missing in 1983, a disappearance that left his family and friends in anguish and uncertainty for decades. Tragically, his body was discovered in mid-October 1987, in Jackson County, Colorado. But it was only recently, in mid-2023, that his remains were identified, bringing a long-awaited closure to his family. 

Jerry was a victim of homicide, a sorrowful end that has left an indelible mark on those who knew him and loved him. Initially interred as a John Doe in the Jackson County Cemetery outside Walden, Colorado, he has been returned to his hometown of Sioux Falls, to be laid to rest with his parents in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.

Jerry was born August 12th, 1963, to James and Alice Mikkelson, the seventh of their eight children, and second son. He attended Christ the King grade school and Edison Junior High School, graduating from Washington High School in 1981. Like most of his siblings, he worked at this father's shop, Jim & Ron's Service, where he was known for his dedication and hard work. Jerry had a passion for motorcycles, especially dirt-biking, a hobby that brought him joy and a sense of freedom. Jerry was a quiet, private person, soft-spoken but deeply compassionate and fiercely loyal, much like his father. He believed in God and loved his family.

Preceded in death by an infant sister, today Jerry is survived by four sisters, two brothers, fifteen nieces and nephews, fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews, one aunt, and ten cousins.  

Though his parents were not able to be reunited with him in this life, they are united with him now in heaven.

Jerry ...

We thought of you today

but that is nothing new,

we thought about you yesterday

and days before that too.

We think of you in silence,

we often speak your name,

All we have are memories

and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake

with which we'll never part,

God has you in His keeping,

we have you in our hearts.