“Dutch” Derril E. Mickelsen was called home on April 27, 2013 in La Jara, Colorado.
Dutch was well known throughout the San Luis Valley for his talents in masonry, cabinetry and custom built homes. He has left his legacy of masonry, cabinets and custom built homes to many. When the Manassa LDS church was built in the 1960’s, Dutch was the Assistant Foreman of the project and enjoyed every minute working on the Lord’s house, and many people enjoy attending church there today. He taught his children his good work ethic. He built each of his daughters and granddaughters a cedar chest, which they each cherish. With his creativity he built banks for his son and grandsons, which had the combinations locks from the Sanford Post Office that were not being used anymore. He loved his family very much and was proud of each one of them.
He loved the outdoors and loved to collect arrowheads; one of his collections is displayed at a local bank for all to enjoy. He had a generous heart and was willing to share his talents with others. He did not know a stranger. He liked to hunt and fish and always had a good fishing or hunting story he would tell.
He was active in the Sanford 2nd Ward of the LDS Church. When he was younger, he worked in the Boy Scout program and the Young Mens program of his ward.
He was born in Sanford Colorado November 24, 1931, to Ella M. and Clifford R. Mickelsen. He was the second child and the first born son. He was a great help to his mother as she cared for his dad Cliff, who had been injured when Dutch was five years old.
He married Wilma on September 17, 1951 in the LDS Manti, Utah temple. They were blessed with four children: Dessa (Mark) Pottberg, Sanford; Fae (Ben) Feutz, Dover, OH; Genia (Chuck) Rasmussen, La Jara; and Eric (Dee Ann) Mickelsen, Mesa, AZ.
He is survived by his wife Wilma, his children, nine grand children, twelve great grandchildren, and his sister Mollie Rae (Wallace) Peterson of Syracuse, UT.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ella and Cliff Mickelsen, and his younger brother Kalvin C. Mickelsen.
The funeral service for Dutch will be held Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 11:00AM at the Sanford 2nd Ward LDS chapel with visitation at 9:30AM to 10:45AM in the Relief Society room. Interment will be at the Sanford Cemetery following the services.