Anthony Tony Mikkelson

The unexpected passing of Anthony “Tony” Mikkelson, on 21 April 2026 has left his loved ones bereft.  He was the third child born to a loving family in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on 26 July 1951.  He graduated from O’Gorman High School and Augustana University in Sioux Falls.  His professional life for the Department of Defense began at the Defense Mapping Agency where he met his wife, Elizabeth, when they both transferred to the Providence Field Office to work as cartographers.  Venturing out in the eye of Hurricane Gloria to secure their marriage license, they were united in marriage at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mount Kisco, New York two weeks later in October of 1985.  A move to Fredericksburg, Virginia came shortly after.  They had not intended to put down roots there, but ended up staying well over two decades raising a daughter, Emily, undeniably their greatest pride and joy.  Tony went on to work for the Naval Space Command, and also the Joint Warfare Analysis Center before retiring in 2013 after 31 years of dedicated federal service.  In an effort to stay close to their daughter, Summerville, South Carolina became their retirement destination.  Witnessing the marriage of their daughter to a wonderful man and the birth of their first grandchild made for a very full life.

While commitment to family was paramount, Tony dedicated many hours of service to Trinity Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg.  He was always willing to pitch in to help with his daughter’s varied interests - from working back stage at a ballet performance, to timing at a swim meet, he could be counted on to volunteer with a smile at the ready.  In his spare time, he was equally at home reading a book, researching his ancestry, or exploring new places far and wide.

Grateful for having shared his life are: his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Emily (Jeff) Travis and granddaughter Evelyn Cleary Travis of Daniel Island, SC; brother Terry Mikkelson, Sioux Falls, SD; brother-in-law Frank (Susan) Wesley, Westerly RI; nephews Stephen (Tresa) Thill, Chancellor, SD and Scott (Tia) Thill, Watertown, SD; nieces Kristen (Gary) Bunt, Sioux Falls, SD, and Sarah (Mark) Peterson, Sioux Falls, SD, Catherine Wesley, and Margaret Wesley of Westerly, RI and a multitude of grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, and friends.  We will miss you more than words can express.

Tony was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Granum and sister Joan Thill of Sioux Falls, SD.

A private celebration of life ceremony will be held at a time and place yet to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or MUSC Children’s Health ( https://fundraise.musc.edu/give/378854/#!/donation/checkout ) would be greatly appreciated.