NORWICH – Well known and respected local dentist, Dr. Daniel D. Mikkonen, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 11, 2010.
He was born June 14, 1936, son of William Delmar and Esther Ida Kotila Mikkonen in Frederick, South Dakota.
Daniel moved to Renton, Washington in 1942 where he graduated from Renton Junior, Senior High School in 1954. He participated in band, orchestra and pep band playing the trumpet. He also participated in Boy’s Club, Trumpet Trio, Board of Control, Senior Council, French Club, Senior Ball Committee, Solo Contest and Band Council.
Daniel worked for Pacific Car & Foundry following his graduation as a machinist’s apprentice. Following his employment at the Pacific Car & Foundry, he entered the United States Air Force in December of 1954 until his discharge in November of 1958 with the rank of Airman 2nd Class. He served as a Technical Instructor for the Department of Guided Missiles. He then worked at Griffiss Air Force Base in electronics. In 1959, he entered Utica College, Utica, New York, majoring in Biology. Following his training at Utica College, he entered the State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, majoring in Dentistry. He graduated with honors in May of 1966 with a doctorate in Dental Surgery.
While at the State University of New York at Buffalo, he acquired several awards of distinction including: Barret Foundation Award, William Tucker Scholarship. He served as class President for his Junior and Senior years. He served as Med-Dent Student Council Representative, Student Council Representative to the ADA (American Dental Association) Convention. He was a member of the Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity.
In October, 1958, he married Virginia Pawloski, who predeceased him in 1982. On December 24, 1984, he married Anita M. Annesi, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Thomas M. Mikkonen and three grandchildren: Leah, Gabriel and Hannah. Also surviving are his stepson, Hon. Brian C. Swift and wife Ruth A. Swift of North Norwich, New York, and his sisters: Marilyn of Renton, Washington, Gayleen of Tucson, Arizona, and Melita of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Esther Mikkonen of Renton, Washington and his sisters Ilona and JoAnn of Renton, Washington.
He was commissioned as Major in the United States Army Reserves in 1981 and attained the rank of Full Colonel before retiring in 1996. He graduated from Command and General Staff School and received numerous awards and decorations during his military career.
Daniel practiced dentistry in Sherburne, New York, from 1969 to 1974 sharing an office with Dr. Robert Benedict. He maintained a dental practice in Norwich, New York until 1998. He was a member of the American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Society for the duration of his dental practice, retiring in May of 1998. He was also the Dentist at Gilmore & Chase Nursing Home. From 2001 to 2006, he joined the practice of Dr. Francis Bianchi in Sherburne, New York.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, chopping fire wood, gardening and he was also an avid bowler.
Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 16 from 10 to11 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, East Main Street, Norwich.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Fr. Ralph Bove as celebrant. Committal services will follow at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Norwich.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com.
Donations may be made in Dr. Daniel Mikkonen's name to
Hospice and Palliative care of Chenango Co. 21 Hayes St. Norwich, NY 13815
Arrangements under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney, NY 13838.