Gordon Lee Mikesell

Gordon L. “Lee” Mikesell, 81, of Stevensville, lost his battle to Parkinson’s on Sunday, April 12, 2020. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 3 PM at Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 1 PM until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Napier Parkview Baptist Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Lee was born on May 2, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Gordon W. & Lutie (Drake) Mikesell. He graduated in 1957 from Ypsilanti High School and continued his educated at Cleary Business College where he earned an associate’s degree in business. In 1960, Lee proudly enlisted in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged in 1962. On September 12, 1998, Lee married Lorranie Holub, in St. Joseph. For many years, Lee worked in the Human Resources Department at Ypsilanti Hospital and was later relocated to Mercy Memorial and then to Lakeland Hospital as a Tumor Registrar, where he retired after nearly 30 years. Lee had a strong faith for his Lord and was a proud member of Napier Parkview Baptist Church. He would participate in their Bible study program and went on numerous missionary trips with the church to various countries including Russia, Venezuela, and Ukraine. Lee had a passion for helping people whenever possible. He volunteered his time for the St. Joseph Township Fire Department and at Lakeland Hospital. In his spare time, Lee would enjoy riding his motorcycle, birdwatching, hand carving beautiful wooden canes and making his wife, Lorraine, happy by going square dancing with her (although, she would argue that he enjoyed going on his own terms.) Lee loved his family so much, and spending time with his grandchildren gave him the most joy. He was a wonderful, generous man who will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Lee is survived by his wife, Lorraine, of Stevensville; sons, Brian (Carrie) Mikesell of Stevensville and Thomas (Melissa) Mikesell; stepchildren, Shawn (Heidi) DelaForet of St. Joseph and Nicole (Josh) Rick of Baroda; grandchildren, Riley, Elliott, Sophie, Asher and Sage; and siblings, Virginia Slocum and Ron (Dottie) Mikesell. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon W. & Lutie, and son, Peter Mikesell.