Donald Mikel

Rev. Donald Lamar Mikel.Sept. 8, 1923 - Jan. 14, 2013 NAPPANEE - Rev. Donald Lamar Mikel, currently residing in Orlando with his daughter, Sarah, and her husband, John, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2013. Rev. Mikel was born in Nappanee, Indiana, on September 8, 1923, to Merle and Mary Mikel. He enrolled in Fort Wayne Bible College, then transferred to Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana, to become part of the first graduating class of the new Bethel College. As a minister of the Missionary Church, he served churches in West Union, Indiana; West Valley, Washington; Twin Falls, Idaho; Denair, California; and pioneered the family counseling ministry at Ventura Missionary Church, California. Rev. Mikel's ministry was characterized by an intense evangelistic zeal, captivating preaching, and a listening heart that often helped individuals come to grips with the spiritual issues at the heart of the problems people brought to him. Don and his wife Trudy retired in Hailey, Idaho, where they made many new friends and were very helpful in their son's business. When he could no longer care for himself, he moved home to Nappanee to live with Dave and Karen Berger. The last move before heaven was with John and Sarah Hedegaard in their home in Orlando. He is survived by son, Russell, and daughters, Karen Berger and Sarah Hedegaard, 7 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. His loving wife Trudy and their youngest son Steve preceded him to heaven. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 19, 6:30 p.m., at the Thompson, Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, 950 North Main Street, Nappanee.