Sheila Weis Mikkelsen, age 73, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and her devoted companion, Ron.
Born on September 8, 1952, in Earling, Iowa, Sheila was the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Ruth (Schaben) Weis. Raised in Defiance, she was a proud 1970 graduate of Harlan Community High School. In March 1970, Sheila was united in marriage to Craig Mikkelsen. To this union, two daughters, Jeannie and Melissa, were born. Though Sheila and Craig later separated, they remained connected through their children.
A caregiver by nature, Sheila dedicated her professional life to serving others She worked for many years at Elm Crest Senior Living Community in Harlan and Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn. To further her passion for care, she attended Iowa Western Community College to study nursing alongside her sister, Nancy.
Sheila’s greatest joy was her family and her “special friend,” Ron Buckholdt. Whether she was listening to Elvis, watching Titanic, or sharing a laugh with Ron and her family, she was the happiest when surrounded by those she loved.
Sheila’s heart was forever changed by the loss of her daughter, Melissa, who passed away at the age 14 in 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Ruth, two brothers, Tom and Tony Weis, nephews, Geoff Falkena and Brad Chamberlain; and great-niece Charley Falkena.
Her memory will be cherished by her daughter, Jeannie (Rory) Dirck of Loveland, Colorado; grandsons, Jesse (Cheleste) Clymer, Jeremiah (Layne) Clymer, and Joshua Prevost; and her two great grandchildren, Cade and Cody with a granddaughter due to arrive in May. She is also survived by her siblings, Bob (Donna) Weis Jr., Joan (Jerry) Chamberlain, Nancy Falkena (Mark), Jude Fox (Darcy), Ronda (Ted) Jansen, Lisa (Bart) Sullivan, and Russ (Jessica) Weis; along with a host of extended family, dear friends and her fury companion, Trixie. The family wishes to express a special debt of gratitude to Ron Buckholdt for his unwavering care and deep devotion to Sheila along with Ron’s children: Jamie (Allison) Buckholdt, Brian (Sarah) Buckholdt, and Cathy (John) Drury.
Mass of Christian Burial for 73 year old Sheila Mikkelsen, of Harlan, Iowa, is Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Burial will be in the Harlan Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday, February 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
