Eric Lynn Mickelsen

Eric Lynn Mickelsen, 55, passed away unexpectedly on August 25, 2023, at his home in Menan, Idaho.

Eric was born on July 20, 1968, in Pocatello, Idaho to parents Milo and Jean Mickelsen. A graduate of Highland High School (1986) and Idaho State University (1991), he worked for Farm Bureau Insurance before becoming a highly respected and in-demand consultant in the U.S. Government’s nuclear program. He was stationed in both Idaho and Nevada during his career. Before his retirement, Eric served as a global security and counter-terrorism project controls engineer.

An avid sports enthusiast, Eric enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling and downhill skiing. Starting in high school, he became an active member of the Pebble Creek Ski Area Ski Patrol, Inkom, and – in 1995 – received the National Ski Patrol’s Green Merit Star award for “the lifesaving rescue of four avalanche victims.” In his 25 years as a ski patrolman, Eric received multiple awards and commendations.

From ferrets to Siberian Huskies to Brittany Spaniels, Eric loved animals of every kind. Most recently, he took on the task of raising a litter of black and grey kittens – a surprise gift from a favorite feline “mouser” living in his shed.

Eric was always willing to help the downtrodden and those whose lives had fallen into disarray. While others turned their backs on them, he extended a hand of friendship and gave them hope. As Eric’s niece, Nicole, said, “Eric was a tough guy . . . a true mountain man. But he was also tender-hearted and kind.”

Eric is survived by his mother, Jean Mickelsen, Pocatello, brothers Mike Mickelsen (Cindy), Pocatello, Mark Mickelsen (Rebecca), Salt Lake City, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Milo Mickelsen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the services on Friday. Interment will follow services in the Mt. View Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.