Kenneth E. Mikesell, 83, of Eau Claire and Winter Haven, FL, died on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at Luther Hospital. He was born in Eau Claire on August 29, 1924, a son of George and Pearl (Isham) Mikesell. During World War II, Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Feb. 1943. He served as a fire fighter while stationed in the Philippines, and was honorably discharged in Dec. 1945. Kenneth married Elaine P. Fletty in Eau Claire on April 24, 1943. He began his 42 year career as a fire fighter with the Eau Claire Fire Department in Sept. 1942. Kenneth served as Eau Claire Fire Chief from 1969 until his retirement in August 1984. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church and VFW Post #305. Kenneth is survived by is wife of 64 years, Elaine; son, Jerry (Kitty) of Chino, CA: daughter, Judy (Michael) Paus of Lake Tomahawk, WI; four grandchildren, Craig (Shelly) Holbrook and Travis (Kirsten) Holbrook both of Eau Claire, Amber (Mark) Fusca of Cypress, TX, and Samantha Mikesell of Chino, CA; three great grandchildren Brandon, Justin, and Holly Holbrook all of Eau Claire; brother, Norman (Roberta) Mikesell of Martinsville, IN; his sister, Clara Ann (Douglas) Miller of San Angelo, TX; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Marshall, Lavern and George "Stub" Mikesell Jr. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January, 5, 2008, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Eau Claire with Pastor Gary F. Sahs officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington where VFW Post #305 will present military graveside honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

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