Francis Harold Mikesh

FRANCIS H. MIKESH Francis H. Mikesh was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 30, 1920 to Frank and Anna Mikesh and grew up in St. Paul along with sister, Helen and brothers, Edward and Paul. He attended Central High School and then joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Fran joined the US Army Air Corps in 1942. Before he was sent overseas, he married his beloved Joyce in San Diego, California on November 21, 1942. He was stationed in England from 1944-1945. With the rank of Captain, he piloted 33 combat missions over Europe in his B-17, the “Lucky Lassie”, assigned to the 100th Bomb Group, known as the “Bloody Hundredth.” On one mission, Fran successfully landed his damaged aircraft in France, removed the Norden bomb sight, and carried it for some time until he was able to secure it from enemy hands. After hostilities ended, he flew “Chow Hound” missions, dropping food and supplies to civilians in the formerly occupied Netherlands. He was honorably discharged on Christmas Day in 1945. Upon his return, Fran resumed work at the United States Post Office in St. Paul. Fran and Joyce bought their home on 4th Street in 1946. Fran and Joyce were founding members of St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church in 1947. They began their family in 1948 with the birth of their first child, Terry. Nan arrived in 1949, Mary in 1951, Tom in 1952, and John in 1955. From 1975 to 1977, Fran and Joyce saw four of their children marry and begin their families. Following his retirement from the USPS in 1979, Fran became a Grand Knight of Fr. Finley Council 4374. In retirement, Fran enjoyed golf, woodworking, bowling, and playing cards, especially gin rummy with his brother, Paul. Family was the essence of Fran’s life. He and Joyce worked tirelessly to provide an excellent family life for their children. One of Fran’s several second jobs was for the original St. Paul Saints. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were also a source of much love and pride. When Joyce, the love of Fran’s life, passed away in 2006, he lived independently in their home until he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on July 15, 2015. He will be dearly missed by his five children; son, Terry (Melanie Borkowski); daughter, Nan Roen and her children, Shelly (Tom) Sampers and their children, John, Stephen, Angela; and Jim (Jackie) Roen and their children, Samantha and Alex; daughter, Mary Henriksen and her children, Mike (Kate) Henriksen and their children, Noah, Eleanor and Adeline; and Lisa Henriksen; son, Tom (Colleen) Mikesh and their children, Lawrence (Tamara) Mikesh and their children, Everett and Wyatt; Patrick (Katie) Mikesh and their children, Owen, Ben and Alex; and Allison (Jake) Beauregard and their children, Luke and Gabby; and son, John (PJ) Mikesh and their children, Brian Mikesh; and Nate, Ben and Joshua Kofalt; brother, Paul; special friend and caregiver, Chris Smith; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.