Gaylord Eugene Mickelsen

Gaylord Eugene Mickelsen August 25, 1938 – April 26, 2025

Gaylord Eugene Mickelsen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, in Mesquite, Nevada, at the age of 86.

Gaylord was born on August 25, 1938, in Dannebrog, Nebraska, to Clarence and Annie Mickelsen (Bennett). A proud son of the Midwest, he spent his early life in small-town Nebraska before venturing far beyond its borders—first through military service, and then through a lifetime of adventure, generosity, and quiet wisdom.

After graduating high school, Gaylord enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956—his first journey beyond Nebraska. He served aboard the USS Midway and saw the world, visiting Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines. He was present in Honolulu on August 21, 1959, during the statehood celebration for Hawaii—a night he famously recalled involved "crawling up the gangplank" after enjoying a few drinks just days before his 21st birthday.

During his time on the Midway, he served in the air traffic control tower and was an “air talker”. Gaylord served with pride as an honor guard during operations involving the transport and protection of Chiang Kai-shek and his family amid the tensions between China and Taiwan. He was honorably discharged in 1959 but remained in the Naval Reserves, narrowly avoiding call-up during the Cuban Missile Crisis due to his growing young family.

His military service sparked a lifelong love of travel and a deep respect for people from all walks of life. Gaylord was always accepting, open-hearted, and curious about the world and the people in it.

On October 4, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Patricia Jacobsen, also of Dannebrog. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, laughter, and shared purpose. Gaylord worked for over 30 years at Kelly Supply Company in Grand Island, Nebraska. In his second career, he became a licensed real estate agent, and alongside Judy, opened a gift store in Dannebrog—home of beloved folklorist Roger Welsch and the CBS Postcards from Nebraska series. The shop drew in visitors from around the world, offering a unique mix of charm, culture, and heart. They also ran a successful bed and breakfast out of a lovingly restored Craftsman home, welcoming guests with the same warmth and curiosity that defined Gaylord’s life.

He loved to fish, to travel, and to swap stories—of which he had many. Anyone who knew Gaylord knows that his sense of humor, steady presence, and kind heart left a lasting mark.

In 2008, Gaylord and Judy moved to Mesquite, Nevada, where they embraced the beauty of the desert, joined Jeep clubs, volunteered for clean-up efforts, and enjoyed the slower, peaceful pace of retired life.

Gaylord was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Lyle Knott, Clarence Mickelsen Jr., Howard Mickelsen, Lillian Thompson, Doris Butler, Arlene Wagner, and Alice Mickelsen.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Mickelsen of Mesquite, NV; his children, Kim Mickelsen Shippen (Jeff) of Bailey, CO, Nita Sani of San Diego, CA, and Cindy Lesac of Hastings, NE; his grandchildren, Alyssa Shippen of Denver, CO, Lauren Shippen of Omaha, NE, Amanda Sani of Brooklyn, NY, Nathan Sani of San Diego, CA, Shayla Meyers of Council Bluffs, IA, and Ashley Spiehs of Grand Island, NE; and great-grandsons Jeffrey and Hunter of Denver, CO, Oliver of Council Bluffs, IA and Rowan of Omaha, NE.

A memorial service will be held at Mesquite Lutheran Church on May 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). The service will be live-streamed from the Church and available for live viewing. Visit the Church website at https://www.mesquitelutheran.org/online-services on the day of the service for the live stream link. A recorded version will be available afterward at the same link.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Audubon Society at https://act.audubon.org/a/memorial-gift

Gaylord lived a life filled with love, integrity, and a spirit of quiet adventure. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.