Robert A. Mikel

Robert Andrew Mikel, 88, of Parsons, passed away at 11:52 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2024, at his home.

He was born on August 27, 1935, to Andrew and Gladys (Hanley) Mikels in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, the third child of 14.  When he was 10 years old, he moved with his family to LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  He graduated from Galesville High School in Galesville, Wisconsin, in 1953.

In January 1955, Robert entered the United States Air Force.  During his eight years of service, he was stationed in Goose Bay Labrador, Canada, the Philippines, and various stateside locations.

In October 1960, Robert and Charlene Hardwick were united in marriage.  They had two children, Cassandra and Mark.  The couple later divorced.

Robert earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Pittsburg State Teachers College.  He continued his education at the University of Missouri, earning a Master's degree in Social Work in 1967.

Following his graduation, he worked as a social worker for 3 ½ years in Leavenworth, Kansas.  He then transferred to the Parsons SRS office, where he served as social services chief and supervisor until his retirement in December 1993.

In July 1972, Robert entered the United States Army Reserves.  He served three active-duty tours state side during the Gulf War as a counselor for basic trainees at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  He retired from the Army in August 1995 as a Master Sergeant.  He was the recipient of numerous awards and citations during his military career.

He served as a reserve officer in the Labette County Sheriff's Department in the early 1990's.

In July 2013, Robert earned his CNA from Labette Community College.

Robert enjoyed fishing, reading, metal detecting, and until he was 80 years old, he was an avid runner.  He liked volunteering for several different organizations and in later years, he enjoyed recycling and "scrapping."

Survivors include:

One daughter – Cassandra Elsworth of Oswego, Kansas

One son – Mark Mikel and his wife, Emalee, of Parsons, Kansas

Two grandsons – Brian Elsworth and his wife, Ashley, of Oswego, Kansas

Jeremy Elsworth of Oswego, Kansas

One granddaughter – Marlee Mikel of Parsons, Kansas

Three great-grandsons – Raylan, Dayson and Baylor Elsworth

One brother – Keith Mikels of Onalaska, Wisconsin

His long-time companion – Virginia "Ginger" Pellock of Parsons, Kansas

Several bonus grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law, Roger Elsworth; and 12 brothers and sisters.

No service is planned at this time.  There will be a graveside service in the Veteran's section of Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons at a later date announced by the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to The Parsons High School Honor Flight for Veterans Program (that he participated in) or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.