Herbert A. MikkelsonHerbert A. Mikkelson passed away on October 16, 2017 at the age of 88. He was born on March 30, 1929 in Ortley, SD, to Elmer and Tilda (Nelson) Mikkelson. At age 5, the family moved to Canby, MN, where he graduated from high school in 1947. Herb was a star athlete for the Canby Lancers earning multiple letters in football, basketball and track. His talent in basketball made school history for being the first Lancer to score over 1,000 points. After high school, Herb attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, on a basketball scholarship. After his freshman year he left to help his father operate Gamble's Hardware Store in Canby where he learned his handyman skills. Herb's career as a manager in the natural gas utility industry started at Cengas in Sioux Falls. He was transferred to Lincoln, NE in 1967 and eventually to Minneapolis where he retired from Minnegasco in 1987.In 1949, Herb married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Landstrom whom he first met in 8th grade in Canby. Together they had five daughters. A family man and supporter of his girls, he was there when they needed help roofing garages, remodeling bathrooms or installing appliances. He even volunteered to do night duty for newborn triplet grandchildren. If Herb wasn't working on a remodeling project at home, he volunteered his time. He was active in his church, First Lutheran in Sioux Falls, in various roles from chairman of the building committee to planning the woodworking shop and repairing parts of the church itself. Herb was involved in many community organizations and received a national service award from Lions International and the JC Penney Golden Rule Award for his work with Habitat for Humanity, an organization he worked with over ten years. Herb was a dedicated Augustana football and basketball fan and attended as many games as possible over the years. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and was instrumental in the restoration of the Rolvaag Writing Cabin at Heritage Park on the Augustana University campus. He served on the boards of the Nordic Hall, Sons of Norway and the Nordsmen Federation.Herb was known by many as a man of integrity who valued people. He loved to find common connections with everyone he met. He had a strong work ethic and was generous with time, talent, and resources. Herb demonstrated his faith through his actions and lived with a servant heart.Herb is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 68 years of Sioux Falls, and 4 daughters: Corrine Ganske (Greg) of Des Moines, IA; Karen Pfeifer (Craig) of Worthington, MN; Kirsten Ford (Tim) of Red Wing, MN; and Claire Rud (Paul) of Brainerd, MN. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Erin Onnen, Ingrid Ganske, Kyle Pfeifer, Erik Pfeifer, Briget Ganske, Karl Ganske, Kara Gordon, Kelsey Ford, Christopher Rud, Jenna Ford, Lauren Rud, Nathan Rud, Hannah Rud, and Nicole Rud. His nine great-grandchildren are: Laney Onnen, Ryan Pfeifer, Liam Onnen, Alex Pfeifer, Maeve Looney, Charlotte Looney, Emmett Sweeney, Emma Pfeifer and Anna Looney. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother and his daughter Kathi who died at age four in 1957. Visitation is on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 5-7pm at Miller Funeral Home at 507 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls. The funeral service will be 10:30 am on Saturday, October 21st at First Lutheran Church, 327 S. Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls. Immediately after the service, a lunch will be served in the church Reformation Hall. Interment will be St. Stephen's Cemetery in rural Canby at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Lutheran Church Foundation, Habitat For Humanity-Sioux Falls, or the Herbert and Dorothy Mikkelson scholarship fund at Augustana University. www.millerfh.com