Dale W. Mickelsen

Dale W. Mickelsen, 67, of Geneva, NY, passed away on February 28, 2026 at home.

He was born in Geneva, NY on September 20, 1958 the son of the late William and Gladys Mickelsen and graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1976.

Dale worked as a machinist at Mercury Aircraft for 47 years, retiring in 2023. He was a member of the Penn Yan Baptist Church, Himrod Conservation Club and North Seneca Sportsmen’s Club. Dale was an avid race fan, attending dirt and asphalt racetracks in the Northeast.

Dale was a talented musician beginning with the accordion at Miller Music Studio in Penn Yan competing in several accordion contests in NY State. Miller Music held many in studio contests and he won the overall studio championship at only 11 years old, competing with several students that were much older and had advanced years of studying the accordion. He later made the transition to become a very talented keyboard player in many local country bands. Dale and his younger brother, Dave played keyboards together in a 50's & 60's band called "Reaction" for about 5 years, which was the last band he played in. He loved playing his Hammond C3 organ as well as piano and synthesizers on stage.

Dale is survived by his son, Gary W. (Bailey) Mickelsen of Brooksville, FL; brother, David L. (Donna) Mickelsen of Penn Yan, NY; and by a grandson, Sylas Mickelsen.

Services will be held privately by the family. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Yates County, 1216 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527.