HOCKESSIN, Del. – Donald L. Mikeska, 90, died on April 4, 2021 in Hockessin, Del. after a brief illness.

Don was born in New York, N.Y. and raised in Westfield, N.J. with his brother Alan by his parents Dr. L.A. Mikeska and Olga Krepela Mikeska (all predeceased). He graduated from Lafayette College (Allentown, Pa.) in 1952 with a degree in business and Army ROTC. While at Lafayette, then an all-male college, he attended its 1949 St. Valentine’s dance with Easton Hospital School of Nursing (Bethlehem, Pa.) where he met the love of his life, Patricia Donches. They were married in 1952. After a short honeymoon, they headed to Alabama for officers’ training before Don left for the Korean War. He returned a 1st lieutenant and was honorably discharged in 1960. Don was proud of his military service and often recounted war-time stories to interested listeners.

After returning from Korea, Don and Pat began their married life in Staten Island, N.Y., where he worked in finance in the New York area, eventually settling into banking, with Patricia working as a registered nurse and school nurse. By 1961, the couple moved to Metuchen, N.J. where they raised their children and lived for 57 years before arriving in Delaware to be closer to their son Kurt. In addition to being a wonderful husband, Don was an attentive father involved in Little League, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

Don was an avid surf fisherman and he and Pat raised a family of beach enthusiasts. In 1991, a home at Higgins Beach, Scarborough was purchased which became everyone’s favorite respite. Don spent many lovely summers fishing, golfing, reading, attending social events hosted by the Higgins Beach community, and touring Downeast Maine with Patricia and their fine friends. Don was famous for his chili and martinis that were guaranteed to liven up any Higgins Beach occasion.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia; sons Kurt and Jeffrey, daughter Gretchen, daughter-in-law Erica; and grandchildren, Iris and Mason.

Don will lay to rest at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Del.

For online condolences: https://www.chandlerfuneralhome.com/.

For donations:

https://delawareveteranstrustfund.com/donate.

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