Douglas “Mike” Mikkelson, 78, of Rhinelander, died Tuesday, May 6, 2014, in Big Bend at his daughter’s home, after a courageous battle with Melanoma Cancer. He was born July 27, 1935, in Rhinelander to Nels and Beulah (Coates). Doug was a Korean War Veteran who was proud to have served his country from 1953 until 1961 in the United States Air Force and the National Guard. Doug is survived by his daughters, Terri Smith of Ironwood, Mich., Dawn (Brad) Minor of Cartersville, GA, JoEllen (Dave) Schneider of Ixonia, Marikay (Tim) Dulka of Big Bend, and Tracie (Harvey) Kuehl of Genesee; his son, David (Roxanne) Mikkelson of Appleton; brother, Nelson (Loretta) Mikkelson of Melbourne, Fla.; sister, Ida (Sid) Sanford of Fairbanks, Alaska; 18 grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and 25 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Lillian “Pete” Mikkelson Dec. 28, 2009; sister, Nancy (Bill) Pearson; and brothers, Clyde (Barb) Mikkelson, Keith Mikkelson, Robert (Gloria) Mikkelson, and Bruce (Vicki) Mikkelson. Funeral services for Doug will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2014, at the Carlson Funeral Home of Rhinelander with the Rev. Rod Ankrom officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. (Carslon Funeral Home)