Michael Lee 'Mickey' Olkonen, 84

Michael Lee "Mickey" Olkonen, 84, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away Aug. 1, 2026, in Mullan.

He was born April 9, 1942, in Wallace, Idaho, to Art Olkonen and Marie Engebretson. Mickey was raised in Mullan and graduated from Mullan High School before moving to California. He worked for the Poway School District as a print setter, internal courier, and groundskeeper.

Upon his retirement in 1992, he returned to Mullan, where he lived until his passing. Mick had a deep love for Mullan and was always reminiscing about local history and the old-timers who lived there, while also keeping up with the town's newest additions.

Some of his best days were spent at the Mullan Museum with his classmates, Allen and Patsy, sharing stories about days gone by and catching up on the news with Bud. He also logged countless hours at the pool table at the Wasa/Outlaw Bar, where he faithfully played a daily game with John or Steve for many years. He often referred to himself as being "second best in the Northwest."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Marie; his stepfather, "Papa Don"; and his brothers, Keith and Wayne.

Mickey is survived by his stepdaughters, Tammy Emerson and Kelly Brock; his brother, Mark Olkonen and his wife, Billie, of Bremerton, Wash.; his sisters, Kay Payton of Mullan, Idaho, and Karol Lindstrom of Missoula, Mont.; his stepsisters, Vonnie Pemble, Kris GarItone, and Terri Dexter; and many nieces and nephews.

Mick was a source of both humor and frustration for many people in Mullan — and he was just fine with that. He would often say, "Call me Mick. Only my friends call me Mickey." Whether he was sharing stories, debating local history, or lining up another shot at the pool table, he always kept life interesting. He'll be missed, remembered, and talked about for years to come.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mullan Historical Society, of which Mickey was a proud member. Mullan Historical Society, P.O. Box 675, Mullan, ID 83846

Mickey requested that no services be held. Private family inurnment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Mullan at a later date. 

Memories of Mickey may be shared online with his family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is caring for the family.