In Loving Memory of David Milo Mikelson
David Mikelson leaves a legacy of unconditional love and a gift for spreading joy to all those he met, especially his loved ones and dear friends.
David Milo Mikelson, age 74, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after a sudden illness. Born on October 21, 1951, in Northfield, Minnesota, Dave was the son of Milo and Marcella Mikelson.
To know Dave was to know a man of deep kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Kathleen, on May 13, 1972, and together they shared 54 beautiful years of marriage filled with laughter, adventure, and mutual respect.
He cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Alisa (Brandon) Hoffmaster, Katie Beth (Brandon) Kauffman, and Jeff (Lauren) Mikelson; and by his seven grandchildren, Tyler Hoffmaster, Shelby Hoffmaster, Carter Kauffman, Ethan Kauffman, Christian Kauffman, Charlotte Mikelson, and Nolan Mikelson.
Dave graduated from St. Peter High School and Mankato Area Vocational-Technical Institute and went on to build a fulfilling career as a salesman with Anixter/Telewire/Antec for 28 years. There, he formed deep friendships with coworkers and customers that lasted throughout his life. He was passionate about mentoring others in the telecommunications industry. Dave later completed his career with Ricoh/Western Union before bringing joy to countless families as a professional Santa Claus through the Professional Natural Santa organization.
Throughout his life—from growing up in St. Peter, Minnesota, to moving his young family to Kent, Washington, in 1979, and then to Denver, Colorado, in 1995, and finally to retiring with Kathy to San Tan Valley, Arizona, in 2016—Dave found joy in the beauty and adventure of every place he called home. Whether camping with his children in Washington, riding motorcycles throughout Colorado for more than 15 years, or taking his final trip to Tortilla Flat with his grandsons on Sunday, Dave embraced life wholeheartedly. His gentle smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and his generous spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his beloved wife; his three children; his seven grandchildren; his sisters-in-law, Ruthi Holtz and Nancy Mikelson; his brother-in-law, Steve Zehnder; and many adored nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Beth (Steve) Zehnder; his brother, Steve (Nancy) Mikelson; and his nephew, Paul Zehnder.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held during his birthday month of October at Solera, the community he loved, as well as at a private family memorial in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington, his favorite place to visit.
Messages of comfort may be sent to the Mikelson Family at 753 W. Sun Dance Circle, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.