Jerry Hiram Mikel

Jerry Hiram Mikel, 46, of Topeka, died September 20, 2009.  He was born in Danville, Illinois on December 13, 1962 the son of Jerry and Alfreda (Danner) Mikel. 

Jerry was a 1982 graduate of Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, Oregon.

He worked in the Del Monte Foods Factory.  Previously he had been employed as a cook and worked in the custodial service field for several establishments.  He had owned a bicycle business at one time.

Jerry loved to fish, spend time outdoors and work on cars.  He especially loved spending time with his family and spoiling his nieces and nephews.

Jerry married Sarena Phillips at Emporia, Kansas on February 14, 2005.  She survives.  He is also survived by his mother Alfreda Johnston of Tualatin, Oregon, and his step father George Johnston; two brothers, Michael Finnell of Brightwood, Oregon and James Finnell of Portland, Oregon, two sisters-in-law, Gayle Reddick-Van Loenen and Laura Redenbaugh both of Topeka; four aunts, Rosetta Nicewarner of California and Cheryl Stokes, Roberta Haney and Laura Gibson all of Oregon.  He had many nieces and nephews and was especially close to Tayhaysa Gibson, Tayrell Gibson, Tay’Lin Van Loenen, and Richard Russell.

Jerry was cremated.  Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service for Jerry to be held on Friday, September 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Betty Phillips Park in Topeka located at the intersection of Girard and Irvingham Streets.  His mother will take his cremains back to Oregon where private inurnment will be at a favorite spot in Wald Port, Oregon.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to help with expenses and can be sent to the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.