Gary Lee Mikkonen

gary mikkonen

August 14, 1949 ~ February 8, 2020

Born in: Ashtabula, Ohio
Resided in: Mills River, North Carolina

Mills River – Gary Lee Mikkonen, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2020 surrounded by the people and animals he loved.

Gary was born on August 14, 1949 in Ashtabula Ohio. He was the son of the late William E. Mikkonen Sr, and Ruth G. Talcott. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William E. Mikkonen, Jr.

He is survived by two daughters, Mandie Sifers (Cody) of Mills River NC, and Miranda Mikkonen of Asheville NC; one granddaughter, Kyndall Sifers; Gary’s partner, Debbie Kivela; his two cats Cricket & Angie as well as numerous cousins.

Gary was a U.S. Navy Veteran who served three campaigns in the Vietnam War. He worked for Rockwell International/Meritor Automotive where he retired after 35 years. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf, and socializing with friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 13, 2020 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden. The family will receive friends after the service concludes.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice that supports our veterans or to the American Cancer Society.

Services

Celebration of Life: February 13, 2020 6:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Visitation: February 13, 2020 6:30 pm - March 28, 2024 8:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Navy Veteran

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Guestbook

  1. I knew Gary when we were kids. He was always a gentle and sweet boy. He grew to be the same as a man. Rest n peace old friend💔

  2. Barb Matthews Petro, We went to School together at Edgewood.
    I enjoyed being on Facebook and seeing his post. I would always say something about it or
    share it. May he rest in peace. Prayers for his family and friends.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  3. Graduated with Gary in 1968. We played some lunchtime basketball. He had some skills. We became friends and he was great guy to know. Some years after graduation I ended up living in a house by the lake that he had lived in. I didn’t know it at the time. He must of had a great time there as, I found the (Big Fish) as we called it, house a very charming and quiet place. He must of had a good time there. I had not seen him since school, but we reconnected by the social media FB. I will miss his postings of life in Finland.

  4. Gary was a Friend to All!!!! Such a Kind human…. He will be So…Greatly Missed!!! 😢 We are All… Blessed to have had you as part of Our lives!!!!! Your Memory Will Always be within Our Hearts!!!! ♥️ God Bless You Gary!!!!

  5. Knew “Mikk” and family from the Son’s of Italy in Ashtabula. Always enjoyed a Genesee beer and a game of pool with him. Spent time here in N. C. When we started working together in early 1980’s. Gonna miss you dude, or as Gary would say, “ain’t it?!”.

  6. Gary was my brother-in-law I was shocked when I read about his passing Gary my thoughts and prayers are with them. R.I.P brother

  7. Gary was one of my favorite classmates.. We were both skinny little Finn’s… We were in several classes together and ate lunch together… He was a great friend!! After school he joined the Navy and I the Marines… I jokingly always made fun of the Navy ….. telling him that the Navy was always taking me somewhere and dropping me off where there was a bunch of little people mad at me!!!! I will miss that fin biscuit!!! Save me a spot sailor!! R.I.P.

  8. I never got to meet Gary in person (which I’m sorry about) but loved sharing each other’s posts on FB. I did get to speak with him once on video chat and will always cherish that time. Felt like I knew Gary through all the stories his brother-in-law (Tom Goudge) told me. Will miss the good ole boy.

  9. I love Gary he is such an amazing man with a beautiful spirit! I always enjoyed being around him you could t help but have a fun time! We shared the love of the Cleveland Browns! So thankful to know this man and his amazing daughters! I love you guys!!!

  10. We will miss you so much Gary. Rest in Peace my friend. Prayers sent for peace and comforts to Gary’s family and friends in Jesus name. ♥️💕

  11. Gary was my cousin. I never saw much of him but he was always friendly and easy going. My thought are with the family at this sad time.

  12. I will always remember Gary Mikkonen as being a good, c and pleasant guy to work with. He was very courageous and positive during his long illness. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his Family . Rest in Peace my friend and Happy Trails.


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