Rosalie Mikkelsen

Rosalie "Rose" Mikkelsen, 73, a longtime Atlantic, Iowa, resident died Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of family.

Rose was born July 14, 1942, in Atlantic, Iowa, to John and Erma (Harter) Armstrong. She attended the Atlantic school system and was a member of the class of 1960. Rose was united in marriage to Virgil (Mike) Mikkelsen on April 30, 1960. Shortly thereafter, they purchased property south of Atlantic where they would soon build their home, raise two children, Debra and Dan, and enjoy 55 years of marriage.

Rose started to work as a waitress at the age of 15 at Van's Chat and Chew. She was a clerk in the shoe department of Pamida, worked at the Wonder Bread Store and ended her working career at the Downtowner, all in Atlantic.

Rose was a unique lady blessed with special talents, many of which she passed on to her family. She had a passion for music and was female vocalist and musician in a popular local band, "The Blue Tones", for many years. She was a very accomplished archer who was the Iowa State Women's Outdoor 3D Archery Champion in 1992. She was an avid outdoor enthusiast who especially enjoyed spring turkey season and pursuing deer in the fall. She also enjoyed camping. Her favorite joy was spending time with her beloved family at their cabin near Winterset, IA. Rose had a happy personality, who loved and lived life with a special infectious enthusiasm. She will be remembered by family and friends for her quick witted sense of humor and her special loving heart for the Lord.

Survivors include her husband, Virgil "Mike" Mikkelsen of Atlantic, IA; daughter, Debra (Gale) Sindt of Baily, CO; son, Dan (Lori) Mikkelsen of Atlantic, IA; grandchildren, Josh Robinson, Angie Jn Baptiste, Nathan and Tyler Mikkelsen, Chris Olson; two great-grandchildren, Andraya and Lea Rose Robinson; brother, Dick (Renata) Armstrong of Dallas, OR; sister, Darlene Beauchamp of Atlantic, IA; and a half-brother, Ted (Judy) Berge of Salem, OR.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Jackie, Bob and Frank Armstrong.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2015, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, with burial in the Atlantic Cemetery in Atlantic, IA.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2015, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.