Benjamin Arden Mikelson, 75
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 31 minutes AGO
Mikelson
Benjamin Arden Mikelson passed away peacefully Sept. 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Ben was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Oct. 15, 1950, to Harold and Dorthy Mikelson. He was raised in Post Falls and graduated from Post Falls High School in 1969.
It was while fishing off the Greensferry Bridge that Ben first met the love of his life, Sharlee. They married Sept. 21, 1971, and shared nearly 55 years together.
Ben joined the IBEW and built a proud career as a journeyman lineman. He spent more than 30 years working as a lineman, most of those years with Kootenai Electric. While he took great pride in his work, he cherished his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather most.
Ben is survived by his wife, Sharlee; daughters Amy Nelson and Jamie Mikelson; grandchildren Elizabeth Nelson and Arden Mikelson; brother Ray Mikelson (Michelle); sister Sandy Shopbell; dear friends Richard and Robin Britton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
As one friend so beautifully described Ben, “He was a mountain of a man with a heart of gold.”
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, at 12:30 p.m. at Lake City Center.