Fred L. Mikesell
Fred L. Mikesell, son of Ernest J. Mikesell and Margaret H. (Kroeker) Mikesell, was born on August 28, 1962 in Belleville, Kansas and went home to be with Jesus on December 21, 2022 in Belleville, Kansas at the age of 60 years, 3 months, and 22 days.
Fred grew up on the family farm as the youngest of four children. An outdoors-lover, he could often be found riding his bike, working with animals, or helping tend the fields. He was an avid reader and a lifelong runner, including running cross-country while in high school. After graduating from Belleville High School in 1980, Fred attended Central College in McPherson, KS for two years and then attended Kansas State University, where he received both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Biology. He took a great interest in birdwatching throughout his college years.
During this time, Fred also became interested in mission work. In 1990 he moved to Zambia, where he spent six years teaching biology and building relationships with Zambians. Thriving in the slow-paced, relational life in Zambia, he was loved and respected by all who interacted with him. Fred eventually decided that he could have a greater impact for God’s kingdom if he received seminary training. This led him to return to the States and complete a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Biblical Seminary in Mississippi. He then traveled back to Africa to continue his mission work, this time as a Bible teacher in Sierra Leone, for three more years.
It was around this time, in the mid-2000’s, that due to his parents’ declining health, Fred returned home and cared for them extensively, both in their home and through making daily visits to the Belleville Long-Term Care facility. Besides taking on the responsibility of managing his parents’ land during this time, Fred also took the initiative to carry on family get-togethers, which usually took place around Christmas. In addition to singing carols and grilling steaks every year, Fred continued his father’s tradition of giving everyone in the family the same gift for Christmas. He was always a spiritual pillar of the family, making sure to keep the true meaning of Christmas the focus of the celebrations.
Since 2012, Fred also farmed full-time in rural Republic County, growing milo, corn, soybeans, wheat, and sunflowers. He continued to serve others by often preaching in area churches and discipling many friends. During this time, Fred took two more short-term mission trips to Uganda, encouraging pastors and their congregations in their work for the Lord.
Having never married, Fred was a wonderful uncle both on and off the farm, staying very invested in his nephews and nieces. He would give the younger ones rides in the combine and tours of various farm equipment and would frequently treat the older ones to coffee, sharing life advice and godly wisdom. Fred stayed a lifetime member of Belleville Wesleyan Church in Belleville, KS. He was generous with everything he had, especially toward missions. Fred loved God and his greatest desire was for people to know Him personally.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Margaret Mikesell, and one great nephew. He is survived by one brother, Dave (Lisa) Mikesell of rural Republic, KS, two sisters, Judy (Bruce) Hettenbach of Abilene, KS, and Nancy (Greg) Gossell of Lee’s Summit, MO, as well as eleven nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Ten Thirty AM, Tuesday, Dec 27, 2022, Belleville Wesleyan Church, Belleville, KS, conducted by, Pastor Mark McGregor.
Interment will be in Union Valley Cemetery, rural Belleville, KS. Memorials may be given to Fred L. Mikesell memorial fund. Friends may call on Monday, Dec 26, 2022 from 1 PM to 8 PM at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS, where the family will greet friends from 6 PM to 8 PM. The casket will remain closed.
Online condolences at bachelor-surber.com