Born and raised in Green Township Elmer Mikkelson was the son of Gust and Annie Mikkelson, He attended the local school and worked while attending college. Employed at the Mercy Hospital he met Carrie Kramer, daughter of John and Chastie Kramer of Tuttle, North Dakota, who was in nurses training at the hospital. They were married on May 30, 1941. On July 9, 1942 their son Michael was born. While Elmer was stationed at Edward's Air Force Base a second child, Karen, was born on May 13, 1945.

Upon release from the Air Force Elmer and family established their home at 335 - 7th Ave., in Valley City, where Elmer was employed at the R & G Auto Supply. A third child was born on June 9, 1949 named John. Carrie now works as a surgical nurse at Mercy Hospital.

Michael is married to Audrey Johnson; Karen is married to Lonnie Broberg and John is married to Donna Sturm, none of whom reside in Valley City.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 158