Eric William Mikkelson

Eric William Mikkelson, 74, of Blakely, Ga., died at his home on Friday, February 9, 2024. Eric was born on September 11, 1949, in Sioux Falls, S.Dak., to Bill and Harriet Costello Mikkelson. He graduated from Canton High School in Canton, S.Dak., and St. Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. He earned a business degree and, after three years of law school, decided to go into the restaurant business. Until the end he was still glad he did not become a lawyer. Eric was in Kansas City briefly before moving to Atlanta to work at the Spaghetti Emporium, where he eventually became manager. It was there he met his future wife, Caroline Fuqua Hill from Early County. After marrying, the two spent their lives in the food industry opening multiple restaurants, including Cafe on the Square in Blakely. His retirement years were spent between southwest Georgia and Apalachicola enjoying his family and his boat. He is survived by three daughters, Laura Hill Anderson (Daryl) of Albany, Ga., Elizabeth Mikkelson Clenney (Brad) of Blakely, and Emily Mikkelson Chan (Jen) of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Caleb Anderson, Jonah Anderson (Brooke), Eric Holley, Asher Anderson, Dalton Holley (Bailley), Harper Kate Clenney and Mik Chan; great grandchildren, Riley, Everleigh and Cohen Anderson; one sister, Jan Hopkins (Tom) of Tex.; four brothers, Bill Mikkelson (Julie) of Minn., John Mikkelson (Kathy) of Colorado, Brian Mikkelson (Judy) of Kansas, and Tom Mikkelson (Kat) of Tex.; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline Hill Mikkelson. A visitation will be held Monday, February 12, 2024, from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall in Blakely. A private memorial service will be held in Apalachicola, Fla. Manry-Jordan-Hodges is in charge of arrangements.