Central Montana Obituaries

In memory of those we've lived with,

loved with,

and learned with.

Our finest regards.

 Erik Mickelsen 82, of Lewistown, loving father, husband and grandfather passed away peacefully at his
home on Sunday July 26th, 2020 of natural causes. Erik was born March 26th, 1938 in Milwaukee, WI to Gunnar and Esther (Shain) Mickelsen. Erik moved with his family to Montana in 1947 where he worked on the family ranch throughout his life. Erik attended Fergus High School where he excelled in academics and his passion for the arts. He sang with the Fergus County High School Choralaires where he performed in many different venues. Erik was class president of his Senior class at Fergus. He took part in several plays and had acted the lead role in his senior years production.

He won many top academic awards including a special citizenship award when he was in grade school. Erik received full scholarships to Dartmouth and Brigham Young but after a short time went on to pursue his acting and musical passions graduating from the Pasadena Playhouse.

Erik was an accomplished artist of many forms. He designed and executed amazing landscaping and architectural designs. He had several showings of his multiple kinds of expressions across the states including the Lewistown Art Center. One of his many passions was singing, playing the guitar and piano of which, he was classically trained. Erik was jack of many trades including Radio, and was an Announcer for KXLO. Eric was an avid Rancher, horseman and shootist. He trekked all over the state including the Bob Marshall wilderness. His travels took him all over the world. He worked on Transatlantic crossings on Liberty ships delivering goods back and forth to Europe and backpacking around with his older brother.
Eric suffered for many years with mental illness, which hindered some of his aspirations. Even throughout his struggles many of his accomplishments can still be seen and felt.

Erik was loved and admired by many for his truly gentle and kind spirt. We will miss you always.
Erik is survived by his wife Tina Mickelsen (Pitch), daughter Keri (Jeremiah) Ames of Lewistown, MT, sons Shane (Angie) Mickelsen of Billings, MT and John Mickelsen of Missoula, MT; brothers Peter
(Nancy) Mickelsen of Lewistown, MT and Michael (Judy) Mickelsen of Waltham, MA; grandson Jackson Ames of Lewistown MT and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Esther and Gunnar Mickelsen, his aunt/uncle Anna Marie and John Gibbs, his aunt Beverly Shain, his cousin Alden (Snoop) Mikkelsen, his uncle/aunt Asgar & Ebba Mikkelsen, his aunt/uncle Bitte & Ola Skaarup as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a memorial picnic at the ranch to celebrate Erik’s life at a later date. Cremation has taken place with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the charity of their choice and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

Donnis William Doman, 72, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2020 at the Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown.  At his request, cremation has taken place.  An obituary will be shared when complete.  A Celebration will be held later.   

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home.  Donnis’ family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com 

John Stephen Gilpatrick was born on March 10, 1935, in Lewistown, Montana, to Stephen George Gilpatrick and Helen Mary (Nellie) Deffinbaugh Gilpatrick. It was a record-setting cold day. He passed from this life on August 4, 2020. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Lewistown.

He attended grade school in Hilger; he graduated from Fergus County High School in 1953 as salutatorian of his class. On June 6, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Monette Alene Gilmore. They raised their three children on the ranch east of Hilger.

John was an avid wildlife advocate. He passed his love for hunting, fishing, and all things outdoors to his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.
One of John’s passions was writing. He often wrote poems for special occasions. Perhaps he will be most remembered for his letters to the editor.

John is survived by his sister, Mona (Don) Freshour of Helena; his children, Steve (Michele) Gilpatrick of Hilger, Lynn Gilpatrick of Bozeman, and Jana (Mark) Hanner of Abilene, Texas.

He will be greatly missed by his biggest admirers who were his nine grandchildren and his sixteen great-grandchildren.
A Celebration for John will be held later this fall; cremation has taken place. Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.

Creel Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Please share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com