Obituary for Virgil L. Mikkelson

He was born April 4, 1939, in West Salem, to John and Bessie (Anderson) Mikkelson. He was a loving father and grandfather.

Virgil graduated from West Salem High School. He served in the Army for two years from 1965 to 1967. He was a member of the West Salem American Legion, and a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

He worked at the Salem Bakery, was a janitor for the West Salem schools, also working for Northern Engraving in West Salem, Heileman Brewing Co. in La Crosse, and Hunter’s Bar and Grill in West Salem.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Packers play, and spending time with his daughter, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Virgil is survived by his grandchildren, Emma and Brody Von Ruden; his ex-wife, Susan (Tauscher) Mikkelson; son-in-law, Travis Von Ruden; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kimberly Von Ruden; three brothers, Richard, Roger, and David Mikkelson; two sisters, Beverly (Mikkelson) Nelson and Judy (Mikkelson) Winger; two brothers-in-law, Maynard Nelson, and Erwin Winger; sister-in-law, Pat Mikkelson; niece, Tammy (Nelson) Long; nephew, Roger Mikkelson Jr.; and aunts and uncles.

Virgil’s family would like to give a special thank you to Mulder Health Care for their time taking care of Virgil, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for their thoughts and prayers during his stay at Mulder’s, and to Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory for their services and arrangements.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 359 N. Leonard St., West Salem, Pastor Jonathan and Pastor Jean Schmidt will officiate. Burial will follow in Neshonoc Cemetery with Military Honors by the Berg - Hemker - Olson American Legion Post 51 of West Salem and the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the church.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements.

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