Mikel Joseph Anderson

1930 – 2025

Mikel, born on October 23, 1930 in St. Paul, Minnesota was sent to his eternal home on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Apple Valley, California at the age of 94. To all who had the pleasure of knowing him, he was an affectionate, dedicated, and hardworking individual who always put the needs of others ahead of his own.

Mikel grew up on a 1,720 acre ranch in Iona, South Dakota, raising cows, chickens, hogs, corn, wheat, barley, and cane. He attended Star School which was a one room ranch house school. Mikel only went as high as 8th grade due to the fact that there wasn’t a local high school and back then he was expected to work the farm. In 1956 he obtained his GED while stationed in Georgia and then in 1977 he graduated from Victor Valley College with an AA Degree.

He joined the United States Air Force in January 1948 when he was barely 17 years old. He did his basic training in San Antonio, Texas and afterwards was stationed in Ogden, Utah as a power man (electrician). In 1948 he was transferred to Fulda, Germany during the Berlin Airlift. In 1951 he received orders to go to Korea where he was stationed for one year. After that he was reassigned to Ogden, Utah and in 1954 was sent back to Korea for a second tour. In 1955 he was stationed in Savanah, Georgia and later to Tacoma, Washington, then to the Netherlands (Holland) from 1960–1964 whereby he received papers to report to George Air Force Base in Victorville, California. During this time, he was deployed to Ubon, Thailand and finally found his way back to GAFB where he eventually retired after 22-1/2 years in the military with the rank of S/SMGT. He accepted a position with Contel Telephone Company working in the Transportation Department where he stayed until his second retirement after 22 years. Mikel became bored sitting around the house, so he volunteered for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s “Citizen on Patrol” for 6 years.

Mikel met the love of his life, Lucille (Luci) Rainville in Roy, Utah while in the Air Force when she was working as a secretary in Civil Service at the Naval Base. He knew when he met her that he was going to marry her. While on a trip to Salt Lake City, he happened upon a jewelry store and decided to go in and look for a wedding ring. While he couldn’t afford the one that he wanted, he struck a deal with the sales lady and ended up buying her a beautiful ring. They were married on December 9, 1953 and were married for 67-1/2 years until her passing on April 22, 2021. In October 1954, they welcomed their first child Sherry and in August 1956, their second daughter Valerie was born. They were blessed with 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Their life didn’t start out great, but together mom and dad built a beautiful life together making their home in Victorville warm, inviting, and full of laughter for 50-1/2 years.

Because of Luci he was baptized and received his 1st Holy Communion in the Catholic religion. The Eucharist was very important to him and he always went to church unless he was sick. When he wasn’t personally able to attend church anymore, he would attend Sunday services in his living room watching on the television. He was very proud that his grandchildren were baptized and received 1st Holy Communion.

Mikel loved fishing, watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, Angels baseball, Los Angeles Rams, attending and watching Nascar Motor Racing and family BBQ’s. He did love to gamble and travelled to Las Vegas/Laughlin where he always seemed to win bigger and better than any other family member. He absolutely loved vacationing in Dillon, Montana whereby he would always take his two nephews fishing. Most of all, he loved showing up and rooting on all the grandkids at whatever sporting events they were participating in.

Mikel is survived by his daughters Sherry Odam, Valerie Lehmann-Frost and husband Jim Frost; sons Michael and Timothy; grandchildren Christopher Lehmann, Tamara (Dylan) Bradford, Ashley (Anthony) Castleberry, Eric Odam, James (Jimmy) Frost, Joey (Robin) Frost and Jacob Frost; great-grandsons Jack and Kylan Bradford, Liam and Finley Castleberry, and great-granddaughter Willow Frost; sister Louella Langdeaux; nieces Jami McKissick and Jill (Matt) Zuleg, nephew Rick (Alice Jo) Rainville and their cat “Lily”.

Mikel is preceded in death by his loving wife Lucille; mother Katherine and stepfather Lewellyn; daughter Shannon Prescott; sister Betty Anderson; mother-in-law Maude Rainville; brother-in-law Joseph Rainville and sister-in-law Mary Farrand (Rainville); son-in-law James Lehmann, Jr.; nieces Ronna Rainville and JoLynn Swantkowski, and nephew Randy Rainville.

Mikel’s memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends and all those who were honored to have had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on for generations to come, inspiring those around him with his kindheartedness, generosity and unforgettable spirit.

There will be a Catholic Mass Memorial Service on Saturday, August 16, 2025 starting at 9:00 a.m. with a graveside ceremony from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary, 24000 Waalew Road, Apple Valley, CA . 760/247-0155. Everyone is invited to a reception brunch at Valerie and Jim’s home.