Sheldon Mikkelsen, a loving husband, father and "PopPop," was born on February 6, 1937 to Helga and Otto Mikkelsen, both immigrants from Denmark, the middle child with an older sister, Nancy, a younger brother Eddie, and a large number of aunts, uncles and cousins. The family rented various homes on the north side of Chicago until 1949 when they were able to purchase their first home in Niles, which was mainly a farming community at that time. Shel attended the old Niles Public School and the old Niles Township High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball, and went to University of Miami on a football scholarship, later attending Eastern Illinois University.

After a two-year stint in the Army, serving as a cook, his Dad, Otto, a self-employed painting contractor and volunteer firefighter in Niles, encouraged Shel to take the test for a full-time firefighter rather than the drafting job he held. He was hired in 1964 and served the village for 36½ years as a firefighter while painting and paper-hanging with his Dad on his off days.

Shel was married in that same year to Norma Hoglan and he became instant Dad to Chris and Trisha; they welcomed baby Wendy the following year. His three girls were the apple of their Dad's eye and his greatest joy was spending time with them. After that marriage ended, he continued to live in Niles, a village he loved, and remained involved in his girls' growing up years and moving into adulthood.

In 1997 he learned that his high school and college sweetheart had become a widow and was living in Missouri, and he quickly contacted old friends to learn where she was living and how he could locate her. When they reconnected, it was nearly love-again at first sight for both of them. They married several months later and Shel opened his heart to Edie's six children, several spouses and four grandchildren. At this time their combined family has grown to include their nine children, eight spouses, 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom Shel cherished. He and Edie were very happily married for 28 years and were regular attenders at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington where they developed many rich friendships. Those who knew him will remember his uncanny ability to come up with a song to sing for any occasion.

Shel's brothers on the Fire Department were his best friends and he continued to enjoy meeting with them for a monthly breakfast after his retirement, even after his health began to fail in the last few years. He will be greatly missed by all who love him.

A Memorial Visitations will be held Saturday June 13, 2026 from 1:00 PM until time of Service 2:00 PM with Military Honors at the Willow Creek Community Church 67 E. Algonquin Rd. South Barrington, IL. For more info call Skaja Funeral Home - 847-966-7302

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Willow Creek Church or to a Charity of your Choice.  A prior Memorial visitation was held at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home on Saturday March 7, 2026