1954 - 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Vincent Mikal, a lifelong resident of Sundre, Alberta, who passed away peacefully at the Sundre Hospital on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the age of 71, after a courageous battle with cancer.
John was born on April 9, 1954, in Olds, Alberta, to John and Mary Mikal. He grew up alongside his brother Arthur on the family farm, nestled on the banks of the Red Deer River just north of Sundre. From a young age, John embraced the values of hard work, community, and resilience, helping his parents with chickens and crops while attending school in Sundre, where he graduated in 1972. After a short time studying Electronic Engineering at SAIT, John realized his true calling remained on the farm.
He returned to the land he loved, dedicating his life to raising grain, hay, beef cattle, and his children. In 1976, he married Lorraine (née Johnson), his devoted partner of nearly five decades now, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and hard work. They were blessed with three children: Phillip, Andrew, and Janelle, who grew up learning from John’s example of perseverance and integrity.
John was a man of many talents. For several years, he owned and operated Skull Creek Archery, where he shared his passion for hunting and taught countless people the skills of archery. Many local hunters will remember bringing their game to his butcher shop, where John’s renowned jerky and sausages were the best around. He also gave generously of his time at the Royal Canadian Legion, where his meat carving skills were often put to use preparing meals for gatherings and events.
In addition to farming, John in his younger years worked in various roles to supplement his income, including operating heavy equipment and driving a semi-truck on the legendary Alaska Highway. These experiences enriched his life with stories and adventures he was always eager to share. Later in life, his adventures turned to travel, and he enjoyed yearly vacations to Mexico and Costa Rica with Lorraine, family, and friends. When not farming, John found joy in woodworking, camping, fishing, and hunting every fall with those he loved most.
His greatest pride, however, was in preserving the Mikal family farm for future generations, ensuring that his legacy of farming would endure. John will be forever remembered by his loving wife Lorraine; his children, Janelle (Chad Courtoreille), Andrew (Kyla Story), and Phillip (Vicki); and grandchildren, Aubrey, Austin, Cameron, Charlotte and Violet; as well as extended family and many friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Mikal; and his brother, Arthur.
A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday August 28, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 123 2nd Street SW Sundre. Followed by a Celebration of John’s Life on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Sundre. Burial will follow the service at Sundre Cemetery for immediate family. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Sundre Hospital Futures or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223 in John’s memory. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services, Sundre Alberta, #2, 102 - 2 Street, Sundre, Alberta 403.638.4393.
