Viewing
Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah 84092Tuesday Apr 28, 2026: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Viewing
Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092Wednesday Apr 29, 2026: 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Funeral
Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092Wednesday Apr 29, 2026: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Listen to Obituary
Garry Wayne Mickelsen died on April 15, 2026, after a brief illness. Born December 7, 1952, to Wayne and Darlene Mickelsen, he graduated from Jordan High School in 1970, started Mickelsen Excavating and Construction with his father, and married Kathy Maxfield in 1972.
For more than half a century, Garry led his company in transforming the valley's landscape. Mickelsen Excavating took on projects across Utah and Nevada, completing a wide range of civil works. Whether it was building pipelines, constructing roads, or laying the groundwork for basements and foundations, Mickelsen Excavating played an essential role in developing infrastructure and enhancing countless lives.
Garry was passionate about the outdoors and cherished spending quality time with his family and friends. He loved taking rides in his side-by-side, exploring new places, and delighting in spoiling his grandchildren. Many of the family's most treasured memories were created at their Bear Lake cabin, where Garry brought everyone together for boating, jet skiing, and relaxing on the beach. He was always at the heart of these special moments.
Garry came from humble beginnings to establish a meaningful and successful life for his wife, Kathy, and their children: Jason (born April 25, 1973); Jared (born September 1, 1978; deceased July 14, 2023); and Zack (born June 17, 1982). As a dedicated and exemplary father, he worked diligently to ensure financial security and instill dignity as well as a strong work ethic in his children. He was also the grandfather of six, and valued spending time with his grandchildren. Bringing joy to them was a highlight of his later years.
Garry is survived by his siblings Kim Mickelsen, Sharla (Dave) Mansius, Linda (Barr) Jensen, and Shawn Mickelsen. He was predeceased by his father Wayne, mother Darlene, and son Jared.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 1:00–1:45 p.m., as well as Tuesday evening, April 28, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the same location.
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Guestbook/Condolences
Garry was one of a kind and one of our core four people that we structured our real estate projects around. On a business level, he was instrumental in getting the project completed even though there is always some unforeseen circumstances he made certain we all got to the finish line. Garry always kept his work and integrity elevated by always making certain we got there with him.
Garry was one of those guys I can say was a best friend. We hunted elk, fished in really cool places (although Garry was never a very good fly fisherman) and he enjoyed all of our extraordinary adventures. Some of them will never be duplicated.
I could confide in Garry and he could do the same with me, it’s not just a saying but, we had each others backs.
Garry was an amazing brother, friend, business partner and somebody whose fingerprints were all over every aspect of my life. I loved him then, now and forever. May God bless him and his family and should they call me in need of anything, I will arrive at their doorstep anxious to help as I owe Garry more than I could ever repay him.
Brother, I know you are with Jared and that even though you mourn for your family who are here on earth, through your life’s efforts they will be well taken care of by those like myself who love you more than perhaps you knew.
Till we meet again, Chris
So sorry for your loss, it was a pleasure to have known Gary and spending time with him in riding the trails in Utah and lately in Arizona. So sorry I didn't get to see him this year. You have my deepest sympathy.
Gary, Was always a positive person, I enjoyed helping him and Jared when they would come into my counter. He will be missed.
Gary was one of my very first customers when I began selling equipment 36 year ago, and over time he became not only one of my best customers, but also a good friend. I will truly miss him, especially the conversations we shared about work and life. All of us at Holland Equipment co. are deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him greatly.
I was privileged to be able to work with Garry over many years. A good honest and hard working man that I considered a good friend. My condolences to his family, he will be missed in the civil construction industry.
So sorry for your loss. Blessings to the family
We are so sad for you we will miss Gerry we enjoyed our time with you guys even if I'm still afraid of heights often wish I'd gone with Gerry when he wanted me to he said you'll be fine. God bless
Barb