John E. Mekkelsen, Sr.

EAST MONTPELIER - John E. Mekkelsen, Sr., 100, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. His wife, Grace, of 73 years, and his children were at his side. Both John and Grace turned 100 this fall. Their family held a Celebration of their 100 years of life at the home of their son Bruce in East Montpelier in September. It was a wonderful opportunity for John to connect with so many people who have been a part of his life. John was full of energy, enjoying every minute.

Born on October 17, 1923, in Montpelier, he was the son of John and Dora (Blouin) Mekkelsen. He grew up on his family’s farm in the home his father built, in Barre Town. He attended the White School House on Beckley Hill and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Montpelier. Following graduation, he worked in Hartford, Connecticut until enlisting in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II.

On January 6, 1951, he married Grace McPherson at her parents’ home in Graniteville. For many years they made their home with their four children in Barre before moving to East Montpelier.

John was a creative entrepreneur with many different careers in sales. Ultimately, he was fortunate to join with his dear friend, Joe Tofani, and became partners in Tofani Motor Sales. They had the foresight to become MG, Saab, and Subaru dealers.

In 1967, John and his family rented a tent camper to travel economically to Maine for a Barre Little League game. The experience led to Grace and John starting Mekkelsen RV and in 1969, they moved both businesses to East Montpelier. Mekkelsen RV is now a third-generation family run business. Among his community service work, John was a member of the Shriners, Masons, and Elks. He was Director of the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Director of the North Country Federal Credit Union, and Rotary Outstanding Citizen. He served on the Board of the Central Vermont Hospital (CVH) 20/20 initiative and was instrumental in getting dialysis machines at CVH. He was an advisor for the Vermont Small Business Administration, supporting local small businesses to thrive. He also served at a national level on the Board of Directors for the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), and the Coachmen RV National Advisory Board.

John was well known as a spirited conversationalist and was always learning. At the age of 60 he got his pilot's license and enjoyed viewing Vermont and New England with friends and family. He especially enjoyed spending time on the water with his family at their camp on Lake Champlain.

Survivors include his wife Grace Mekkelsen of East Montpelier, his daughters Jane Mekkelsen of Burlington, Connie Mekkelsen Cherrier (Larry) of Grand Isle, and his son Bruce Mekkelsen (Laurie) of East Montpelier. His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He leaves, Oliva, Ashley, Jenna, and John Mekkelsen; Emily Doyle (Kyle); and his great-grandchildren Liam and Aiden Doyle; as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son John Edward Mekkelsen, Jr., and his sisters Kathleen Mekkelsen, Joan Lanier, and Doreen Pinard.

The Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre. Following the service, interment will take place in the Wilson Cemetery in Lower Websterville. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the John E. Mekkelsen Lotus Lake Campership Fund, please make the check payable to Grace Mekkelsen and in the memo line write John E. Mekkelsen Lotus Lake Campership Fund and then mail it to the North Country Federal Credit Union, PO Box 64709, Burlington, VT  05406, to support youth in our area.

Super Senior: John and Grace Mekkelsen

Once upon a time, busy Route 2 in East Montpelier wasn’t so busy.

www.wcax.com

https://www.wcax.com/video/2023/08/24/super-senior-john-grace-mekkelsen/