Merrel "Mike" Mikesell

     Merrel “Mike” Ernest Mikesell, age 87, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

     Mike was born on October 11, 1938, on the family farm near Belleville, Kansas, to Charles Ernest Mikesell and Mary Hope (Irwin) Mikesell. He was the fourth of eight children: Charles, Wayne, Kenneth, Merrel, Quentin, George, John, and Nancy.

     He graduated from Belleville High School in 1956 and went on to attend Kansas State University. In 1957, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served a two-year tour. Following his military service, Mike returned to Kansas State University and earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Agronomy.

     On June 4, 1967, Mike married Nancy Jean Petefish. Together they were blessed with three daughters: Kimberly, Rebecca, and Marjorie. Mike dedicated his career to agriculture, working with the Kansas State Research and Extension Office in Colby, Kansas, until his retirement. He later provided consulting services to farmers in the Imperial, Nebraska area before fully retiring in 2016. Mike and Nancy then moved to Lincoln to be closer to family.

     He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Nancy (Petefish) Mikesell; daughters, Kimberly (Dana) Deeke, Rebecca Bailey, and Marjorie (Michael) McKibben; grandchildren: Alex (Becca) Deeke, Brooke Bailey, Carl Bailey, Tyler (Logan) Deeke, and Cade McKibben; and great-grandchildren: Ayzlin, Kaziah, and Elzada Bailey, Charlotte Buresh, and two great-grandchildren expected later this year. He is also survived by his youngest brother, John (Margie) Mikesell, as well as many nieces and nephews.

     Mike was preceded in death by his parents; six of his brothers; and his infant sister.

     Visitation will be on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 11 AM - 12 PM at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge, Nebraska. Burial in the Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge will follow services.

     Memorials are suggested to the family of Mike Mikesell for later designation. Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.