Obituary of Jack H. Mikkelsen

Jack H. Mikkelsen Elmira: Age 88, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born and raised in Benton Center (near Penn Yan), the son of Axel and Margaret (Olsen) Mikkelsen. He is predeceased by his first wife Marjorie Mikkelsen, sister June Jenson, brother-in-law William Brennan and sister-in-law Vivian Balmer. Jack is survived by his wife Joyce Collins Mikkelsen; children, Kathleen Collins with husband Andrew Elston, Seattle WA, Chris Collins with wife Kathy, Elmira; grandchildren, Jacob Collins with Naomi, Los Angeles CA, Megan Elston with Karin, Portland OR, Lauren Collins, NYC, Kate Elston, San Francisco CA, Gregg Rogers, Tampa FL, Megan Rogers Bundy with Frank, Annapolis MD, Molly Rogers, Baltimore MD; sister Ellen Brennan, Elmira; stepson Michael Davidson with wife Audrey, Elmira; brother-in-law Howard Balmer, Horseheads; nieces, Mikki Tipton, Kim Lagonegro, Barbara Good, and Becky Good; along with special friend Doug Wilcox, Elmira. Jack was a U S Navy veteran of World War II. After his discharge in 1946 he went to work for Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc. In time Jack became the owner and president of the company. In 1994 he sold the business to his good friends Chuck and Sandy Kottwitz. While with Zeiser's Jack was a member of the NYS Burial Vault Association, serving as the board president from 1960 - 1961. He was also a member of several other concrete manufacturing associations. Jack was a long time board member at Elmira Savings and Loan Association. Active in local organizations he was a member of the Elmira Country Club, Elmira City Club, Fur, Fin and Feather, Elmira Elks Club, and he was a long time Mason. Retirement enabled Jack and Joyce to enjoy their love of travel. He also enjoyed his standing lunch dates with several groups of friends at various places, a good golf game, playing cards and most of all, his time spent with family. Friends are invited to Jack's Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Horseheads. Jack established the Mikkelsen Scholarship Fund, through the Community Foundation, which every year provides a scholarship to an area high school graduate going on to college. Those wishing may remember Jack with a donation to either the Mikkelsen Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., 301 South Main Street, Horseheads NY 14845, Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning NY 14830, or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by McInerny Funeral Home. Special thanks to Dr. Brian Cassetta, Hospice Nurse Debbie Jaynes, and the staff of Southern Tier Hospice, for the wonderful care Jack received over the past several months.