MIKKELSEN, Herland Travelle

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - Herland Travelle Mikkelsen July 19, 1922 — Dec. 7, 2012 Havasu News H.T. “Mike” Mikkelsen passed on from this world to the next Dec. 7, 2012 in his daughter’s home in Lake Havasu City. At 90, he had the strength and vigor of a much younger man. Mike was born on Staten Island, N.Y., July 19, 1922 to Christine Jentzen and Thomas Mikkelsen. He moved to New Jersey in 1967, and then to Lake Havasu City in 2007. Mike loved New Jersey and called it his home. Mike and the love of his life, Betty Gall, grew up together. They were married for 68 years. A running back during his high-school years, Mike was scouted by the Green Bay Packers. He declined their offer to stay in New York with his sweetheart. Mike followed in his father’s footsteps and worked his way up to be a tugboat captain and eventually harbor pilot. He was well known as a “cracker jack boatman” and affectionately referred to as “Captain Mike” by the people who knew him. He worked for Exxon Mobil Corporation for 40 years. He also worked for his father-in-law’s trucking and crane business. He would tell his family about his experiences moving houses, hauling large cranes and even setting steel for the Verrazano Narrows Bridge that spans from Brooklyn to Staten Island, N.Y. Mike is survived by his two daughters, Ethel C. Sloan, of Hanford, Calif. and Elizabeth Jill Darling, of Lake Havasu City. He had five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Despite his living a full, rich 90 years, they all wish he could have lived forever. Memorial Services will take place Sat. 1 p.m. at the St. Michael’s Unified Methodist Church, 2895 S. Jamaica Blvd. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to St. Michael’s in his name. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Mike’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.