Inar Mikkelson of Thief River Falls, MN, age 79, died on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 19, 2013 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Friday at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Inar Bennet Mikkelson, the youngest child of Iver and Bertha (Helland) Mikkelson was born January 20, 1934 in Thief River Falls, MN. He grew up in the Newfolden , Holt, and Thief River Falls communities. In 1954, he joined the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1956. On August 19, 1954, he married Mary Ann "Dodie" Dobias in Montgomery, MN. They farmed west of Thief River Falls for the past 50 plus years. Inar also worked as a heavy-equipment operator, or "cat skinner" as he proudly referred to it. He operated his own construction business for 10 years. Inar and Mary Ann took pride in their yard. They kept their farm yard neatly mowed, creating a park-like setting, with much of the décor handmade by them. They enjoyed watching the wildlife from their home; the deer, rabbits, squirrels and even the troublesome wild turkeys. Inar had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his dogs, Rusty and Little Duke. Children were also very special to him. He had unlimited patience with young children and even teen agers. Inar and Mary Ann occasionally housed some of their families' children, who often wanted to stay longer. He enjoyed time at the lake home they had and flying an airplane. Inar and his wife, Mary Ann have been longtime members of St. Bernard's Catholic Church and he was a member of the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Tina, Ida, Martha, Ina, Josephine, Lawrence, and Edwin. Inar is survived by the love of his life, his wife Mary Ann; special niece, Izzy Favrow and many nieces and nephews; 3 God sons: David Dobias, Rapid City, SD and Curtis and Bradley Peters, Ridgemont, CA; sister-in-law, Janet (Raymond) Cooney, New Prague, MN, Sarah Dobias of Angus, MN, Dee Dobias of Amory, WI, and friend, Bill Volland, Bismark, ND. Also surviving is special family friend, who has been like a daughter to Inar and Mary Ann, Kathy (Todd) Fillmore and children, Beth, Maggie, Sarah and Luke.