Mr. Calvin Wade Mikesell, 92, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 9:11 PM, Tuesday , July 26th , at Hickory Creek.

On August 15 , 1923, Calvin was born in Fulton County to Clarence W. and Geraldine L. Kindig Mikesell.  Growing up in Newcastle Township, he shared his childhood with a sister Clovis and three brothers: Larry, Wayne and Sheldon.  During his high school years at Talma, Calvin was the star guard for the Hickory's basketball team.  A memorable highlight was when Talma played Richland Center in Center's brand new gym.  Led by Calvin, the Hickories "whomped," Center!  With great pride he graduated from Talma in 1942.

Calvin and Margaret "Maggie" Ruth Lowry were married on September 10 , 1977 in Marshall County.  With a lifelong passion for agriculture they made their home on a farm in  Newcastle Township.  Their primary crops were beans and corn.  They raised ponies, hogs and were proud owners of a fine herd of Black Angus.  Calvin was accomplished with many skill sets necessary to the farming operation.  His greatest strength was welding and fabrication of metals.  He created many unique wrought iron railings still found around homes on the shores of Lake Manitou.  Calvin built bleachers and many TV towers. His towers were distinct, exhibiting the crowning pinnacle  painted in brilliant yellow.

Paired with farming, Calvin was an entrepreneur.  He initially owned a shop that sold the first tube televisions in Fulton County.  For many years he owned 8th Street Machine Welding.  He served as  parts manager for Charles Fear Equipment, that later ownership transitioned to his sons and was known as Mikesell Equipment.  Calvin also worked for a stint at Essex Wire and United Technologies prior to his retirement.

Left to cherish Calvin's memory are his wife, Maggie; children: twin sons Ted Mikesell,  and Wade Mikesell and wife Barbara, Dennis Mikesell and wife Joyce, Kem Mikesell and wife Lora all of Rochester, Lisa Nichols and husband Terry of Knox, Michael Lowry and wife Linda of Rochester, Michelle Nichols and husband Garry of Argos, Karen Newman and husband Kevin of Plymouth; 18 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; brother Larry E. Mikesell of Rochester; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Calvin in death are his parents, a son, Rich Lowry; a sister, Clovis Peterson; and two brothers: Wayne E. Mikesell and Sheldon X. Mikesell.

Pastor Mike VanHeyningen will officiate services.  Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.