Obituary of Jorgen (John) Nordentoft MIKKELSEN

October 9, 1932 – Bronderslev, Denmark

December 17, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

John Mikkelsen, beloved husband of Laura Jean Mikkelsen (nee MacDonald), of Calgary, AB, (formerly of Exshaw, AB), passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

John was born in Bronderslev, Denmark on October 9, 1932, to Emil and Esther Mikkelsen. He was one of two children born that day. With his twin brother Kai, at the age of 17 years old, they boarded a boat and left their homeland to come to Canada and start a new life. They had many adventures and finally settled in Alberta, with Kai in Calgary and John in Exshaw with his new wife Jean. John and Jean were married for 51 years before Jean died on July 29, 2011, after suffering a stroke. After retirement, John and Jean moved to Calgary and spent many years helping to raise their grandchildren.  Spoiling them with ice cream and cookies and taking them on long bike rides were a few of the things he loved to do. He also loved to ride his bike around the neighbourhood in Haysboro and could be seen most days out for a ride.

John was a man who loved to dance; he would go to the legion and spend the whole night on the dance floor. He always had a line of women to dance with (with Jean’s permission of course!) because they could see the joy that it brought to him. John also loved to sing songs and had a large repertoire of songs that he would belt out any chance he got. He loved the songs of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and hundreds of others. John was a born entertainer and singing and dancing brought him joy throughout his life.

The past 5 years have been a hard journey. A series of strokes, seizures, broken bones, and sadly dementia changed his life course during his final days. He enjoyed all of the attention of his caregivers and appreciated all the help he received from all of them. He remained in his home for most of the last 5 years but moved to Providence Care Center in January 2020.  Sadly, he suffered a stroke and passed away peacefully on December 17, 2020, with his favourite music playing and family by his side.

John leaves to mourn his sister Ruth (Ove) Neilson of Bronderslev, Denmark, daughter Linda (Brian) Millions, son Ken (Denise) Mikkelsen, grandchildren, Spencer (Kaitlyn), Breanna (Joshua), and Quintin Millions. John also leaves a large extended family in Denmark with many nieces, nephews, and their children who he travelled to see as often as possible. John was predeceased by brothers, Kai, Lindu, and Ingolf Mikkelsen.

Due to Covid 19, a Private Family Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on John’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The Family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Providence Care Center who supported John and his family. We are forever grateful.

In living memory of John Mikkelsen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.