Calvin W. Mikesell-UPDATED
Mr. Calvin Wade Mikesell, 92, Rochester, passed away at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Hickory Creek.
On Aug. 15, 1923, Calvin was born in Fulton County to Clarence W. and Geraldine L. Kindig Mikesell. Growing up in Newcastle Township, he shared his childhood with a sister: Clovis and three brothers: Larry, Wayne and Sheldon. During his high school years at Talma, Calvin was the star guard for the Hickory’s basketball team. A memorable highlight was when Talma played Richland Center in Center’s new gym. Led by Calvin, the Hickories “whomped,” Center! With great pride he graduated from Talma in 1942.
Calvin and Margaret ”Maggie” Ruth Lowry were married on Sept. 10, 1977, in Marshall County. With a lifelong passion for agriculture they made their home on a Newcastle Township farm. Their primary crops were beans and corn. They raised ponies, hogs and were proud owners of a fine herd of Black Angus. Calvin was accomplished with many skill sets necessary to the farming operation. His greatest strength was welding and fabrication of metals. He created many unique wrought iron railings still found around homes on the shores of Lake Manitou. Calvin built bleachers and many TV towers. His towers were distinct, exhibiting the crowning top stage painted in brilliant yellow.
Paired with farming, Calvin was an entrepreneur. He initially owned a shop that sold the first tube televisions in Fulton County. For many years he owned 8th Street Machine Welding. He served as parts manager for Charles Fear Equipment, that later became known as Mikesell Equipment. Calvin also worked for a stint at Essex Wire and United Technologies prior to his retirement.
Left to cherish Calvin’s memory are his wife: Maggie; children: twin sons Ted Mikesell and Wade (Barbara) Mikesell; Dennis (Joyce) Mikesell; Kem (Lora) Mikesell, all of Rochester; Lisa (Terry) Nichols, Knox; Michael (Linda) Lowry, Rochester; Michelle (Garry) Nichols, Argos; Karen (Kevin) Newman, Plymouth; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; brother: Larry E. Mikesell, Rochester; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Calvin in death are his parents; a son: Rich Lowry; a sister: Clovis Peterson; two brothers: Wayne E. Mikesell; and Sheldon X. Mikesell.
A celebration of the life of Calvin Wade Mikesell will be at 1 p.m. Friday, July 29, in the Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor Mike VanHeyningen officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 29, in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cardinal Resources, Warsaw.