Howard Kenneth Michaelsen

Howard Kenneth Michaelsen, age 84, died peacefully at home with family December 28 after a short bout with cancer.

He was born to Henry and Anna Michaelsen in Odessa May 1, 1927.

Howard graduated from Odessa High School and was drafted straight into the Army, serving in World War II from 1945 to 1947. Upon his return he attended Washington State College for three years, where in 1948 he met his future wife. He was then recalled by the Army and was stationed at Colorado Springs. While there he married Fayetta Moulton on October 7, 1950 and shipped off to Korea to fight in the war from December 1950 to June 1952.

Returning to Washington State University, he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1954 and then moved to Spokane where he taught history at Stevens grade school. During the evenings he attended Gonzaga Law School, graduating in 1958. He practiced law until his retirement in 2007.

Over the years Howard served in the Spokane Lilac Association, North Spokane Lions, Spokane Shriners, Toastmasters, and was Santa for many years at nursing homes and hospitals throughout Spokane. He was an avid dancer and you would see him and his wife showing off on many a dance floor.

He enjoyed summers with his family at Priest Lake, Idaho for many years. Howard lived to serve others, always having a positive outlook on life, and knew no strangers. Many people walk the streets of Spokane wearing the shirt off his back.

He is Survived by his wife of 61 years, Fayetta Michaelsen, and four children: Barbara (Lynn) Strauss of Mount Vernon, Wash., David (Sue) Michaelsen of Spokane, Steve Michaelsen of Mount Vernon and Angelia (D’wight) Skaarup of Sedro Woolley, Wash .; grandchildren Alexis Gentry, Melody Strauss, Justin Strauss, Angie Haugen, Rob Michaelsen, Melinda Parker, Melissa Michaelsen, Austin Skaarup, Marc Skaarup and Tanner Skaarup and great grandchildren Kali, Grace, Aiden and Olivia Haugen, Bella and Sabrina Gentry.

A memorial service will be held at Northview Bible Church, 13521 N. Mill Road, Spokane on Sunday, January 15, at 2 p.m.