Obituary
Penn Yan / Geneva – Rodney B. Mikkelsen, age 81, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.
Honoring his wishes, there will be no prior calling hours. A private burial will be in Bellona Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Fire Dept., 932 Rte. 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527; or to the Humane Society of Yates County, P.O. Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527.
Rodney was the son of the late Harry F. Mikkelsen and Elsie Jorgensen Mikkelsen. He was a 1960 graduate of Gorham High School. Rodney was a well-known, lifelong farmer in the Ferguson Corners area. He owned and operated GroMark Farms.
He was a true Renaissance man (a man of many talents and interests, and skilled at each one) with an incredibly sharp mind. A croquet champion of our annual family summer picnics! He enjoyed sharing his clever wit, making us laugh, and seeing if we could solve his puzzles and riddles.
Rodney played accordion for the area Danish folk dances. He played music by ear, and also played many instruments, like banjo and guitar. Rodney also enjoyed working on player pianos as a hobby. He was also a respected “dowser”, who located water well placement for many people.
He was a very hard worker, but also believed in having fun. Rodney enjoyed discovering the wonders he found in everyday life, like beekeeping, growing flax, pumpkins, fruits and vegetables, and then canning, pickling and preserving.
Rodney is survived by step-daughter, Marianne Dethlefsen Mattutat of Germany; two sisters, Janet (Kenneth) Nelsen of Florida, and Linda (James) Barkley; two nieces, Carol (Tim) Gardiner of Florida and Amy (Douglas) Fleet; one nephew, Russell (Veronica) Barkley of N. Carolina ; two great-nieces, Ellie and Renee Fleet; great-nephew, Charlie Barkley; several cousins; and his two kitties, Mickey and Scooter.
Rodney was predeceased by his wife, Margit J. Mikkelsen in 2021; and by his parents.
Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a condolence to Rodney’s family.
Services
Private Burial
Bellona Cemetery
Condolences
Lew Ann Giles from Dundee on Feb. 4, 2023
I am sorry for your loss.
What an amazing man to have had as your brother, cousin, uncle and step-father.
May God grant you comfort as you grieve.
Thomas Dublin from Stanley on Feb. 4, 2023
My sincerest thoughts for your family as I remember playing horse in the barn, sorting cabbage in the spring and ice skating on the swamp. Rest in Peace old friend. It was a honor knowing you
Jerry Savage from Rushville, NY on Feb. 8, 2023
I have great memories of both Rodney and Harry filling their silo every fall.