John Mikols

John F. Mikols, 86, of Lake Odessa died April 20, 2026 during a brief, post-illness stay at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Born January 13, 1940 in Saginaw, John was the son of Steve and Oral Mikols (formerly Mikołajczak) and grew up on the family farm in Larkin Township, Midland. He attended a one-room grade school (Gray School) for the first eight grades, walking 1 ¾ miles each way, and graduated with the class of 1958 from Midland High School.

John pursued an Associate degree in Machine Tool at Ferris Institute and worked at Dow Chemical as a machinist for a few years before returning to Ferris to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Education. He later completed a Master’s degree from Michigan State. He taught machine shop at Hamtramck High School, where he met Betty Krompak; they married in 1964.

The couple moved to Ionia, where John taught machine shop at the State of Michigan Training Unit. Their sons, Mark (1965) and Scot (1969), were born during that time. In 1971, John and Betty bought a farm in Sunfield, where they lived for 55 years. During those years, John taught at Grand Ledge High School and found deep satisfaction in managing his own machine tool business at the farm—work that reflected his steady determination and the quiet pride he took in doing things well.

For more than 50 years, John was an active member of Saint Edward Catholic Parish, Lake Odessa. His faith was lived with a calm constancy—marked by regular reading of his 60-year old Bible, with notes tucked between the pages about what he had read and the people he carried in his thoughts and prayers.

John lived courageously and gracefully with MS since he was in his 20’s, meeting its challenges with quiet strength, persistence, and an unmistakable warmth that often surfaced in an infectious laugh. He was a lifelong lover of wildlife, hunting, and fishing. His favorite phrase—“Wait a minute, wait a minute”—became a familiar refrain to those who knew him, as did his fondness for moving through life in the ways that suited him best: on a tractor or the farm golf cart.

In retirement, John and Betty participated in many Elder Hostel experiences and made summer sojourns to Alaska to spend time with family. They also swam at a local pool for enjoyment and exercise, continuing a rhythm of life shaped by companionship, gratitude, and quiet resolve.

John is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Mark (Lori; Homer, AK) and Scot (Robertsville, MO); his grandchildren, Hanna Sievert (Nate; Seattle, WA) and Wren (Australia); and his siblings, Joe, Rosanna Albee, Jeff, and Tom. He was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Oral.

A memorial mass is planned for Thursday, June 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Parish in Lake Odessa, with lunch to follow. The family invites you to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Saint Edward Catholic Parish, 531 Jordan Lake Street, Lake Odessa, MI 48849; Sunfield District Library, 112 Main Street - PO Box 44, Sunfield, MI 48890; or the charity of their choice.