Eugene Holman Mikkelson
Bor
n 12/5/1930
Dad was born at the height of the depression. He was 11 years old when the United States went to war with Japan. He was 15 when the war ended. He graduated from High School to be drafted in the Korean War. He was a grunt on the front lines against the Chinese and North Koreans. He smoked cigarettes with his buddies just to keep warm. He married his sweetheart when he was 25.
Understanding my father is to appreciate my father. He took good care of us. The best measure of a man are the success and character of his children. I think he did
amazingly well as a father.
Lesa told me she always felt “safe” with dad. He was tough and fun. He ta
ught me to play golf when I was 12. He played basketball with me in driveway. We bowled on Sunday afternoons in the winter. He taught us to enjoy life.
And by the way, dad had the two most beautiful daughters I’ve ever seen. Here he is at Lora’s wedding. He dresses up pretty well too.
Update – 12/5/2016
Dad just turned 86. We all met at Chilis for dinner to celebrate. We had a great time getting together. Lora, Page and Ava came from Colorado Springs. Lora and Lesa always make sure we have a good party.
Lora brought out two cup cakes with a candle in each. Dad made a wish and blew them out. He then pulled out a lighter and blew them out again (I assume he got a 2nd wish). He lit the candles again and Henley blew them out…and then again. Zach, also 3 years old, looked a little disappointed so dad lit the candles twice for Zach to blow out the candles. All had a wonderful time. I need to get me a lighter.