Jerald Louis Mikesell

Jerald Louis Mikesell of St. George, Utah passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 89. Jerald was born May 18, 1935, in Soda Springs, Idaho to John Louis and Georgina Bee Mikesell. He was the second child after his sister Lila and became an older brother to Leo Vaun and Linda. He married Jeannette Farthing Mikesell of Lander, Wyoming on March 7, 1958, in the Idaho Falls Temple.  

Throughout Jerald’s life, he served as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young man, he served a mission in the Western States. After his retirement, Jerald and Jeannette served together in the mission home of the Louisville Kentucky mission. He has also been faithful about serving in whatever capacity he was called to including Scout Master, Branch President, and District President. He especially enjoyed being a home teacher and minister. He was known to make greeting cards to mark the special occasions of those he loved and served. He loved reading the scriptures and made it a daily habit in his life. 

Jerald was a dedicated provider for his family. As a newlywed, he trained to operate heavy equipment and worked in this capacity until he was drafted into active duty with the Army. After fulfilling his obligation, he attended Brigham Young University and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. He went on to earn his master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. During his career in Education, he taught in high school and college, was an elementary school principal, and worked in superintendent positions in Utah and Arizona. He worked in Educational Finance positions for the State of Alaska and Utah and wrote several math curriculum books. He retired in 1999 and was a devoted caregiver to Jeannette for the 23 years preceding her death. After his retirement, he loved to serve in the temples and in the community, including over 20 years volunteering at Dixie Regional Hospital.

Jerald is survived by his children: Harold/Jean Mikesell of Juneau, Alaska, Gordon/Debbie Mikesell of Kelowna, BC Canada, Melita/Myron Welling of Juneau, Alaska and Janine/David Mika of Clifton Park, New York.  He is also survived by his brother Leo Vaun Mikesell. Jerald and Jeannette have 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  

Jerald is preceded in death by his parents and sisters. Jeannette, his wife of 64 years passed away in December 2022.  

Funeral services for Jerald will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Spilsbury Mortuary at 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 - 10:45 am The service will begin at 11:00 am Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George, Utah.  

Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the service online by clicking on the link below.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to encourage donations to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

Jerald’s family would like to thank the outstanding caretakers of Dixie Hospice Care for their knowledgeable, kind, and generous assistance in caring for Jerald in the last few days of his life.   

Funeral arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah.  (435)673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Jerald’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.