Tommy James Mikkelson 50, of Gettysburg, South Dakota, passed away surrounded by family in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on October 29th 2025.

Tommy, known by everyone he loved as T.J., was born September 9th, 1975 in Gillette, Wyoming to his very proud parents Tom and Kay Mikkelson. He graduated from Campbell County High School and grew up in Gillette. He worked many jobs over the years - Pepsi, Isemans Homes, Basic Energy Services, Diamond Reality, Dollar General, The United States Postal Service and many more. He was proud to be and was often heard saying "a jack of all trades is a master of none". That truly embodied T.J.'s spirit as he was skilled enough to lend a hand to anybody and always showed up, no questions asked.

T.J. loved to be outdoors and to go hunting, fishing, working or sitting in the quiet of nature with his dogs, that's where he felt at home. From his childhood love of The Dukes of Hazzard and The General Lee, to his favorite color being orange. He would sometimes be seen wearing cowboy boots and listening to country music. His grit and strength showed especially bright when he broke his leg and refused to let doctors cut his cowboy boots off. He was the definition of the strength and courage a cowboy represents, and always a fighter until his last breath.

T.J. spent most of his life at the side of his dad, Tom. Always watching out for one another. His bond with his parents was everlasting. T.J. adored his mother, Kay beyond words. He was at her side until her final breath in 2010. He loved his family more than life itself. Between his library of jokes and playfully crooked grin, he connected to his family daily. Even if it was just playing video games with his nephew Dillon for a few hours a day or planning the next hunting trip with his brother Ronnie. He could often be found helping his nieces and nephews grow thick skin with "who's your favorite uncle" or tickling his niece Megan until she was laughing too hard to breathe. T.J. was an uncle, a brother, a son, and a friend who made life brighter for everyone lucky enough to know him.

T.J. is survived by father, Tom Mikkelson; brother, Ronnie Mikkelson; sisters, Angelia (William) Morgan, Laurie Mikkelson; nieces, Megan Mikkelson, Kiley Jimison; nephews, Christopher Mikkelson, Johney Mikkelson, Dillon (Alexis) Mikkelson; cousin, Ted (Tracy) Jerred; four great-nephews, and many cousins, aunts and uncles who love him dearly.

T.J. is preceded in death by his mother, Kay Mikkelson; grandparents, Theodore and Ann Mikkelson and Ronald and Ruth Rivenes; aunt, Donna Mae (Clayton) Jerred; nephew, R.J. King; aunt, Jo Ann Saint; cousin, Mark Saint; and many of his precious four-legged companions who he loved like family.

Services are currently pending.