CEDAR RAPIDS:  John Mikesell, 65, of 4835 Kesler Rd. NW, died Monday, November 26, 2007 at his residence following an extended illness.  Private Committal Services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.  Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is assisting the family
     John was born April 10, 1942 at Cedar Rapids to Ralph and Lucille (Cohea) Mikesell.  He served his nation in the US Navy and was honorably discharged September 8, 1961 and served in the Reserves until April 26, 1965.
      On March 27, 1971 he married Becky Blough at Cedar Rapids.  John was a Master Carpenter for over forty years and developed and taught the Carpentry Program at Anamosa State Penitentiary.
      He is survived by his wife, Becky of Cedar Rapids, and their children, Blake Mikesell of Fairfax and Nicole (Marc) Pollock of Tiffin; his son, Jeff Mikesel of Las Vegas; his mother, Lucille Mikesell of Cedar Rapids; his grandchildren, Ellah Mikesell and Hailey Pollock; his sister, Lillie Mikesell of Peakskill, NY; his uncle, Rev. William H. Cohea of Bangor, PA; his aunt, LaVertia Gaetz of Racine, WI; cousin Pamela Pelej of Racine, WI; and several other cousins.
     John was preceded in death by his father, Ralph.
     The family wishes to express their thanks to Hospice Of Mercy and Hospice Nurse, Cindy Stoddard, Dr. Fusselman and Dr. Kopec.  Also special thanks to family friends, Terri Miller, Jim Clifton, and Judy Cowen.
      A memorial fund has been established at Hills Bank and Trust in Cedar Rapids.