- Date Of Birth: November 9, 1917
- Date Of Death: February 27, 2010
- State: Iowa
Russell R. Mikesell
Long time Oakley/Chariton resident, Russell Roland Mikesell, passed due to natural causes on February 27th 2010. Russell was born in Oakley IA on Nov. 9th 1917 to Grace and Ralph Mikesell. Ralph died when Russell was 3 months old. Grace and Russell
lived with Ralph’s folks in Oakley until Grace married Victor Peterson who raised
Russell as his own.
in 1932. Russell was a State Champ in Marbles at the age of 13. Russell was also a
Boy Scout for many years.
Russell worked on the farm with his folks and his 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Russ’s
Grandma Mikesell gave him a horse that he was very fond of named Queen. Russ was a very good rider. Music entered Russ’s life and he played the banjo and harmonica with a group at social events and dances in the area.
Russ graduated from Chariton High School in 1936.
Russell met Evelyn LaFavre and then married in 1940. Russell enjoyed hunting and fishing and camping. They went to the Black Hills on their honeymoon. They moved to
a 240-acre farm south of Chariton in 1942. Russ raised cattle, hogs and grain for 43
years. In 1955 he sold his machinery and livestock, rented the farm to John Flemming and moved to Coeur D’Alene Idaho where he worked for Potlatch Lumber as a Lumber Jack. He returned to Chariton to farm in 1957. A son (Larry) was born to the union in 1943. Russ and Evelyn delighted in their son’s accomplishments. While they enjoyed life on the farm, they traveled extensively throughout the United States. They also went to Spain and England. They entertained friends and family, at their farm, often. Winter recreation included snowmobiling the Chariton countryside.
Russ served the community as a rural school board member. He was also instrumental of starting the Farmers Coop and was on the Board of Directors of the Coop. Russ loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and followed their activities closely. Later in life Russ drove kids to school and worked at the HyVee. Russ retired to a 40-acre parcel on the Chariton River south of Chariton that he shared with his son. Russ spent his final
days at the Chariton Nursing Home.
Russell Roland Mikesell was preceded in death by, parents, Evelyn, his wife of 61 years, and a brother David. Russell leaves behind an adoring extended family including his
Sisters…. Brother, son; Larry Mikesell of Chariton, Granddaughters, and Grandsons, Great Grandchildren and many grateful nieces and nephews.
Russ was a unique character and will be missed by many who are grateful for having known him.
Family met with friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2010.
