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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Tyrne Allen “Mick” Gadd Mikkola, age 64, passed away despite a lifelong fighting spirit from a swift and vicious battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, February 13th, 2022.
Tyrne – more well known as Mick or Ty – was born on November 12th, 1957 in Libertyville, Illinois to Leland Leon Gadd and Therese Ann (Peltier) Mikkola. He grew up on the Superior lakeshore and the lake remained his happiest place throughout his life, especially time spent there with his friends and family. He was raised by and with many members of the Peltier family, as well as being considered family by the Louis Meneguzzo family and Remali family. He graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1976. He married the love of his life, Connie Jo Hyrkas, on May 7th, 1983 and he loved her beyond words for the rest of his days. She remained by his side until his passing. They raised two remarkable daughters, Heather Jo and Rebekka Doná. He was so proud of his family’s accomplishments and will be with them in spirit to celebrate all those to come.
He held many jobs and had many talents throughout his life, including welding, caregiving, needlepoint, and any odd job you could think of – and if he didn’t know how to do something, he had the curiosity to find out. He was also proud to have served for nine years in the Michigan National Guard and was a lifelong Patriot.
Mick loved being in nature and could sit for hours listening to the waves or watching wildlife. He was an avid local history enthusiast and went to the yearly gathering of the Central Mine Church. He amassed a book and rock collection to rival any mining company as he walked for miles picking through the rocks with his eagle eyes. Many will remember the nights at deer camp sharing stories; others remember his happiness in being an “Uber driver” and “driving Miss Daisy” for his beloved mother-in-law, Joan, and her friends; and his buddy and son-in-law Chris will remember talks over their projects big and small.
He will be watching over the newly established farm up north, where he cherished his time spent with family riding side-by-sides, hunting, and planning mischievous shenanigans with his girls and Chris.
More than anything, Mick loved being a part of the family that he built and would do anything for them.
He is preceded by his father-in-law, Kenneth Hyrkas; great grandma Ada Rebekka Rowe; parents, Leland Leon Gadd and Therese Ann (Peltier) Mikkola and his stepfather, Carl Mikkola; his Grandma and Grandpa Peltier; as well as other relatives.
He is survived by his “pretty lady,” his wife, Connie Jo Mikkola; his children, of whom he was so proud, Heather Jo (Christopher) Maki, and Rebekka Doná (Flapjack) Mikkola; his mother-in-law, Joan Hyrkas; his brother- and sister-in-law John and Maria Hyrkas; and his lifelong lakeshore friends, Louis Meneguzzo and family and the Remali family; longtime friend of the family Jim (Johnna) Therrian; his siblings, Robert, Carla, Carl, and Michael, as well as uncles and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved Doggy Daycare charges, his dog and granddogs Sundance, Flapjack, Sisu, and Finnley, and we bet he’s already reunited with all our past furry friends.
The eagle was suitably his spirit animal, as the strongest of birds that do not give up and rise above challenges. Tyrne Allen Gadd Mikkola was taken from us too early, and while we learn how to walk without him and with the love he left in his wake, he is soaring high with the eagles.
A visitation service will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home with a service to be held at 3:00 p.m. Online condolences can be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com. The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements.
