Arild Verner Mikkelsen

Mikkelsen, Arild Verner Agerskov "Vern" 85, passed away November 21, 2013 at home in Wayzata, Minnesota with family present. Although many knew Vern as an athletic hero, he was first an honorable and loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend. Recognized for his compassion, selfless attitude and intense sense of family, Vern himself cited mentor John Wooden's mantra of "family, friends and faith" as his life's guiding principles. Born October 21, 1928 in Central Valley, California to the Reverend Michael and Mrs. Elna Mikkelsen, Vern was the youngest of his siblings, Esther and Hertha. Raised and educated in Askov, Minnesota, he was recruited by Hamline University in St. Paul at the age of 16, where his love of academia and music flourished alongside his athletic skill. He sang in the university's acapella choir and played the saxophone and snare drums, balancing his undergraduate studies, fine arts and sport. After graduation, Vern pursued his career in professional basketball with the Minneapolis Lakers as well as a higher degree. A committed academic, he attended the University of Olso, Norway and earned his Masters in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1954. During his distinguished career as both player and coach, Vern met and married the love of his life, Jean Hanson (dec. 2002), on June 18, 1955, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. His loving sons Thomas Verner Mikkelsen, John Peter Mikkelsen, grandsons Kyler and Caden Mikkelsen, caregiver Nina Horne Fairchild, nephew Jim and Cindy Jackson, niece Jeanne Davis and Lee Davis, niece Hallie and Daniel Latham-Timmons, nephew Judd and Dayna Latham and many extended family members and friends survive him. Vern will also be fondly remembered by his Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves families. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 26th at 3:00 pm at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 715 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins, MN. Visitation at the church will begin at 2 pm. Flowers may be sent to Washburn McReavy Funeral Home, Edina Chapel, or donations made in his name to American Diabetes Association www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

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Arild Verner Mikkelsen

November 21, 2013

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