Terry Mikkelson

Terry Duane Mikkelson was born on October 23rd, 1945. The second of five children born to Thilman Henry (T.H.) and Hazel Elvira Mikkelson, Terry grew up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He enjoyed time with his extended family and friends on Swan Lake and was very active in sports and in the community until his graduation in 1964. Terry's love of Fergus Falls stayed with him throughout his life as well as the amazing friendships made during his time there. Much like the game "Six Degrees from Kevin Bacon," Terry could find someone's link to Fergus Falls almost instantly. He loved sharing stories about growing up in his hometown and loved meeting new people connected to it.

Terry attended college at Moorhead State University until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966. He was stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washinton, D.C., during the Vietnam War and served in the Computer Design Center.

He married Doreen Ramsey in June of 1969. They returned to Minnesota after Terry completed his service in 1971. He graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Minnesota in 1973. They had two children, Erik and Jill.

Terry worked at AMP Incorporated, Control Data, Network Systems, Storage Tech, Veritas, and Symantec. He was a sales representative, selling companies networking systems for their computers. Terry was a natural salesman; he loved meeting new people. His ability to remember names and make long term connections with clients made him successful and sought-after in his field.

Terry's memories from summers growing up on Swan Lake in Fergus made him want the same experience for his family. In 1983 he asked Doreen to "humor him," and they made a three hour trip up north to Longville, MN. That summer, Terry and Doreen began their legacy of fun on Woman Lake with neighbors, friends, and family. Pancake breakfasts, morning coffee on the dock, golf, lake fun, "On Golden Pond" sunsets, and singing around the bonfire on the beach created lifelong memories and family traditions.

After being diagnosed with neuroborreliosis due to a chronic Lyme's infection, Terry fought very hard against the disease. His tenacity for life was a marvel to his friends and family. Although he ultimately lost the battle, his impact on how the diagnosis is made and treated will be long-lasting.

Terry loved his family and enjoyed sharing their accomplishments to anyone who would listen. He will be missed dearly by his wife Doreen, children Erik (Kehlen) and Jill (Joe), grandchildren Emily, Troy, Isobel, and Anneke, siblings Tom (Jan), Tim, Shelley (Dale), many nephews, nieces, family and friends. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister, Sandy, and brother-in-law, Alan.


Throughout his illness, God continued to bless Terry and his family. At every turn when it seemed a door was closed, God truly did open a window, and many of Terry's friends and extended family provided love and support during the most difficult times.

This Bible passage below provided hope and comfort to Terry and his family during this difficult time.

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but are not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and we keep going." - 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9