Albert Dale Mikelson was born on September 11, 1936 in Franktown, Colorado to parents Albert and Cora (Norton) Mikelson. He began his education in the town's one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Douglas County High School in 1954. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1958, and began a 38-year career with Lockheed Martin.
While attending CU, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith (Judy) Anne Christensen on June 22, 1957. Dale and Judy raised four children: Albert Dale Mikelson Jr. (Mike), Melinda Kay Sellers (Mindy), Terrance Quinn Mikelson (Quinn), and Rana Louise Schuster.
Throughout his life, Dale was deeply involved in agricultural activities, beginning as a 4-H member showing horses and Hereford heifers at the Douglas County Fair. He also farmed wheat and raised cattle on the family property east of Castle Rock, and helped all four of his children with their 4-H cattle, sheep and horse projects. Starting in high school Dale developed a lifelong passion for rodeo and horsemanship, and he competed as a calf roper, team roper and cutting horse rider. Dale won his first trophy saddle while competing in team roping at the age of 72, and finished his roping “career” after competing in the Douglas County Fair at the age of 78. It was on a horse and in an arena that Dale found great pleasure.
Dale also believed in service to his nation and local community. As a senior in high school, Dale made a seven-year commitment to the US Marine Corp reserves and completed his service in 1964. He was active in county and state politics, serving as Chairman of the Douglas County Republicans and as a campaign manager. He was also an active member of the Douglas County Fair Board, DC Planning Commission, DC Sheriff’s Posse, Farm Bureau, Castle Rock Lions Club, Christ Episcopal Church, St. Philip-in-the-Field Episcopal Church and the Denver National Western Club. Dale and Judy were staunch supporters of the Douglas County Fair 4-H livestock sale, and the Douglas County CALF Foundation. In addition, they also sponsored and managed many local Little Britches and High School rodeos.
In April 30, 2018, Dale’s beloved wife Judy passed away. Happily, Dale found love again and married Judith A. (Riesselman) Lowery on March 20, 2021.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Cora Mikelson, his brother Stanley Mikelson, sister Shirley Mikelson Ilgen and beloved Judith Christensen Mikelson.
He is survived by his wife Judith Lowery-Mikelson, sister Darlee Mikelson Whiting, sons Mike Mikelson (Erika) and Quinn Mikelson, and daughters Mindy Sellers and Rana Schuster. As well his many grandchildren: Robert Dale Kirby (Erin), Michael Warren Kirby (Stefanie), Cora Lynn (Kirby) Hebert (Hunter), Kaylyn Elizabeth Kirby (John), Miles Robert Schuster (Sara), Mallory Louise Schuster ( Clayton), Hannah Leigh Mikelson (Jake), Lauren Rae (Mikelson) Dumas (Matt) and Melany Mikelson. He is also survived by many well-loved great grandchildren, Charlotte, Madeleine, Jayden, Kinsey, Krue, Gigi, Rocco, Sterling, Stone and Santhy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Douglas County CALF Foundation.
A celebration of life for Dale will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Christ's Episcopal Church, 615 Fourth St., Castle Rock, CO 80104, followed by a reception following service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerAndrews.com for the Mikelson family.
