Donald Paul Mickelsen, loving husband, stepdad
Donald “Don” Paul Mickelsen, 77, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.
Born in Washington, D.C., Don grew up in Arlington, Va. He graduated from Wakefield High School and went on to attend college when he was drafted to Vietnam. He spent first year of basic military training in Georgia, then a year at the Long Binh base close to Saigon. After honorable discharge from the Army, he decided, not unlike many veterans, to explore the country in his VW buggy and camping. Having cut his hair short, he returned to a post at the U.S. Bureau of Mines in D.C. He eventually worked as a commodities specialist within U.S. Geological Survey in D.C. and Reston Va., specializing in the mineral and mining industry, regularly traveling around the country to mines, collecting data. On the side, he nurtured his love of nature by living in the countryside area of Virginia Piedmont, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here he himself, being skilled and very handy, both built and oversaw building of several of his houses.
Don also nurtured many other passions throughout his life. As an avid reader, each room in his home carried multiple, filled to the brim, bookcases. It was his way to understand the world and its people better and fostered his steady, thoughtful nature. As a cinema enthusiast, he did not shy away from demanding film art like productions by Ingmar Bergman. He often explored the starry sky with his many Celestron telescopes. An enthusiast of ham radios and model trains, he found joy in the details and craftsmanship these hobbies required. Loving to work with his hands, he had a talent for pottery, creating countless pieces of art from clay—each one a reflection of his patience and creativity. He explored meditation as a segway to contemplation, peace and wisdom, attending regular meditation sessions. Don was an avid lover of music, contemporary and classical, seen at venues from Coastal Concerts in Lewes, Wolf Trap in Virginia to Carnegie Hall in New York. He abandoned bachelorhood at 50, as he met his wife Nina, with whom he shared a great sense of humor. At the same time, he became the stepdad of two teen girls for whom he became a quiet yet steady support and always present when needed. With his wife, he continued to cultivate his interest in the visual arts, frequently visiting museums and galleries from D.C., Philadelphia and New York to Art Basel in Miami. He also often assisted his wife in setting up art exhibits. The latter part of his life he spent at the Delaware beaches, where he could be seen enjoying the sunset on the high deck of his Fenwick Island beach house with a gin tonic in his hand, quietly contemplating. Later, he did the same at his Lewes home, in front of a breathtaking view of the Cape Henlopen State Park. He loved to prep food on the grill and was always ready to cook for those present. He did many trips with his wife to her native Finland, to many other European countries to visit good friends, as well as an unforgettable adventure to New Zealand.
Above all else, Don was devoted to his family. As a very loving husband, stepfather, and granddad, he put the people he loved first in every season of life. His quiet strength was sought in times of need. His kindness was gentle, consistent, and unwavering. His dogs over the years, Lady, Colette, Jackson, Lucy and Tash would also attest to this. His friends knew him as a charming host who generously opened his home for fun get-togethers.
Don will be remembered for his kind and caring spirit with a strong sense of responsibility, his willingness to help, his warm heart, and the steady love he gave so freely. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the beauty he created for his family and friends to enjoy.
Don is preceded in passing by his parents, Walt Mickelsen and Mildred Sweeney; and his sister, Carol Haller. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Nina Mickelsen; his stepchildren, Anna Blu Nordgren (Jarrett Simon) of Marietta, Ga., and Sofia Graham (Sean Graham) of Aldie, Va.; his step-grandchildren, Atlas, Finn, Juni and Reace; and a host of extended family across the U.S. and many friends in U.S and Europe, who all will miss him dearly.
A memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 5, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
Visit Don's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
