Arthur M Mikelsen

Arthur M. Mikelsen, 90, passed away August 30, 2014 at Stafford Healthcare at Ridgemont in Port Orchard, WA. He was born August 15, 1924 in Port Orchard (Banner), WA to Mike (Mikkal Andreas) and Anna Louise (Larsen) Mikelsen, both immigrants from northern Norway.
Art grew up in the Port Orchard area. He attended Banner School and graduated from South Kitsap Union High School, Port Orchard in 1942.
Art started work as an Apprentice Toolmaker at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1942, until he gave up his military deferral and entered the United States Army in 1943. Art became part of the 10th Mountain Division 86-K, and saw combat action in Italy. He was wounded three times and was awarded three Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, one for Valor, Combat Infantry Badge, along with numerous other awards. He ended the war at the rank of Staff Sargent. Art retired as a Nuclear Planning and Estimating Supervisor at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1980.
Art married Alice G. Treo September 5, 1944 in Port Orchard. They shared 70 beautiful years together.
Art devoted his life to youth and service organizations, starting Little League Baseball in Port Orchard in 1950 with just four teams. During his leadership those four teams expanded to eight districts, and eventually, to the current 13 districts in Washington State. Art was involved in Little League for 58 years, with 52 of those years serving as Washington State’s District 2, District Administrator. Art was known to many as “Mr. Little League Baseball” in the Kitsap area.
Art was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Kiwanis International, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division.
Art was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Agnes Mikelsen, Myrtle Moilanen, Helen Stepper, and Louise Barker; and son Arthur Lee Mikelsen.
Art is survived by his loving wife Alice, daughter Susan (Paul) Page, and son Larry (Cindy) Mikelsen, daughter in-law Elaine Mikelsen all of Port Orchard; 7 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren, and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at Christ the Rock Community Church, 4100 SW Old Clifton Road, Port Orchard, WA on September 13 at 1:00 pm under the direction of Rill Chapel. Private interment will be at Sunset Lane Cemetery, Port Orchard.
Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project in Art’s name. www.woundedwarriorproject.org .