Howard Peter Mickelson

Howard Peter Mickelson was called home by our Lord on August 7, 2025. Mike, as he was known by family and friends, was born on August 31, 1929, in Hellertown, Pennsylvania to Henry Gale Mickelson of Denmark and Vera (Bazeka) Mickelson of Hungary. Mike was the sixth of nine children, all born and raised in Pennsylvania farmland country. He spent his youth as many others of that time, helping out on the farm and participating in sports in school.

In 1947, Mike enlisted in the US Air Force as a Radio Operator and sent to serve our country in Korea. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Dolores Mae Naleppa, and soon they were married and began raising their family. Their oldest son, G Howard was born in 1953 in Pittsburgh. The young family traveled abroad with Mike while stationed in Germany. Eventually, they welcomed their second son, Jeffrey Albert and their youngest son, Edwin Lee. The family enjoyed their time in Hawaii while Mike was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base and eventually moved with his assignment to Randolph Air Force Base.

Upon retirement in 1969, Mike worked in several different career fields, but with his strong managerial skills, he eventually became regional manager for Sizzler Steakhouses. It was only natural, as Mike and Dee were great cooks. They could always be found “debating” recipes in the kitchen when preparing holiday meals. Coming from the military, Mike was very fastidious about his yard. He loved keeping his yard and plants and was known to have one of the best yards in the neighborhood. Mike had always been an avid sports fan. In the Air Force he excelled at fast pitch softball. You could be sure to find Mike faithfully watching a San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Cowboys game. But the second love of his life was golfing. Mike and his friends spent many hours on the golf course, even until the last months of his life. His passion for many of these hobbies and interests were passed on to his children, and they enjoyed sharing them together.

Mike valiantly fought cancer for the last several years. During this difficult time, he welcomed visits from his family and friends and developed close bonds with his Visiting Angel and Hospice nurses.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Mae (Naleppa) Mickelson, his son, Jeffrey Albert Mickelson.

He is survived by his son, G Howard Mickelson and wife Jennifer (Davis) Mickelson; son Edwin Lee Mickelson and wife Jennifer Kaye (Schuler) Mickelson; granddaughter Falcon Nichole (Mickelson) Hernandez and husband Matthew Hernandez; grandson Christopher Lee Mickelson; great-grandchildren Cohen Holt Hernandez and Selah Grace Hernandez.

Mike has touched many lives, and his presence will be greatly missed by all. Godspeed, Mike.