Eugene Holman Mikkelson

Eugene Holman Mikkelson, age 88, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, leaving behind his loving family.

Gene is survived by his wife Marian of 63 years; children: Marc (Karen) Mikkelson, Lesa (Brad) Wells and Lora (Farrel) VanWagenen; sister, Carma (Dean) Jensen; grandchildren: Brian (Christine), Cory, and Mike Mikkelson; Jenna (Tyler) Haggin, Courtney (Taylor) Williams, Taryn (Clark) Smith, Ryan (Madison) Wells, and Olivia, Ava and Paige VanWagenen; great grandchildren: Eric, Zachary and Mathew Mikkelson, Davis and Henley Haggin, Hallie, Quinn and Archer Williams, Forrest and Bennett Smith, and his many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Nekolie and Luella, infant daughter Jana Sue, the 2 older brothers he idolized, 6 beloved sisters and his 1966 Ford truck and camper.

Gene was born in Fountain Green, Utah and graduated from Moroni High School. He developed his work ethic on the family farm, learned barbering by sheering sheep and gained the skill of fixing most anything with bailing wire or tape.

Gene served with the rank of Sergeant First Class in the US Army and at the frontline during the Korean War, where he earned the nickname "Doc." He patched up many wounded buddies and lived his life honoring and remembering those who gave their lives for our country.

Gene graduated from Barber school in 1954 working the last 62 years on the corner of 17th South and Main Street. Gene enjoyed his profession and listened to a lot of stories but preferred telling his own. He preached his philosophies especially "moderation in all things." Recently, he decided to slow down a little and retired at age 87. He never complained about his health and continued golfing, bowling and mowing his own lawn until just a few weeks ago.

Gene was a sharp dresser and turned the head of Marian Garrett. They met up at the Ute Stampede in Nephi making a handsome couple and were married 12/4/54 and what a ride it has been.

Coming from a family of 10 kids, the Mikkelson's would meet up every Sunday afternoon on the front porch of the family home for hugs, kisses and stories. Eventually, the in-laws, thinking they'd never get to go home, always broke up the fun.

He loved dancing and always saved the first dance for his sisters. Later, no couple looked better on the dance floor than Gene and Marian. He impulsively danced with his daughters and grandkids, singing and dancing on his feet around the kitchen. He loved to entertain us singing and whistling old tunes - "Sioux City Sue" was the favorite.

He enjoyed hard work, golfing, bowling, fishing, camping, PBS, documentaries, "creative" baking, the Utah Jazz, model T's and above all, his family and friends. Being the best barber in town, he cut his own hair and what a great head of hair it was! Gene was his own man and he lived life his way.

Friends can visit with the family on Monday, June 17. Viewing from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S. 700 E., Draper, Utah. Military Honor Service & graveside will be at the Vine Bluff Cemetery in Nephi, UT at 3 p.m.