John Frederick Mikel (Jack)

Jack Mikel passed away at the age of 59 with his wife Michelle by his side on August 10, 2021, in Gilbert, Arizona.

He was born on February 17, 1962, in Faribault, MN to Janice Ann (Mahoney) Mikel and the late, Fredrick James Mikel. In 1968 Fred moved his family to Tempe, AZ where Jack attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel through 8 th grade. He then went on to attend and graduate from Tempe High School in 1981. After graduating high school, he joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego where he served from 1982 to 1987 as an Electronics Warfare Technician Operator. While in the Navy he traveled to many different countries and enjoyed his years serving. He was proud to serve our Country and enjoyed sharing stories with friends and loved ones about his travels and time in the Navy.

After leaving the Navy, he started his career with U-Haul International in Phoenix, AZ where he served in a wide variety of roles throughout his 29-year career with the Company, including several positions in the field and as a 12-year member of the Internal Audit Team. Jack bled orange when it came to his commitment and dedication to U-Haul as well as being a mentor to others he taught and lived U-Haul’s Company Values. In the workplace, he was described as a can-do, glass half-full, “let’s get it done” man as well as direct and relentless in his follow-up and always determined. He was proud to be a part of the U-Haul Family for so many years.

He married Michelle in 2011 after reconnecting in 2008 at a 31-year OLMC grade school reunion. They enjoyed traveling and spending time in Rocky Point. Listening to and watching the waves always brought fond memories of his days in the Navy. He will truly be missed, but never forgotten by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Mikel; his sister, Kim Mollenkamp and his grandchildren, Nicholas, and Gabriel Mikel.

Jack is survived by his wife, Michelle Vukov-Mikel of Phoenix, children, Patrick (Emily), of Pittsburg, TX, Jakelyn Mikel of Dallas, TX, Ashley Mikel of Pittsburg, TX; mother, Janice Mikel of Chandler; siblings, Michele Mikel of Chandler, Laurie Doane (Jim) of Tigard, OR, Paul (Laurie) of Chandler, Jennifer Watson (Dan) of Walnut Creek, CA and one grandchild.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Bunker Family Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201 with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85044. The Celebration will be a beach theme, casual attire is welcome. Face Masks will be required during the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley in Jacks name.