Obituary: Mickelsen, Leone (Hammer)
Age 91
MICKELSEN,
Leone
(Hammer)
Leone was born on March 28, 1921 in Ansley, Nebraska.
She died peacefully on September 20, 2012 in Spokane, Washington with her children by her side.
Just like in the “Grapes of Wrath” her parents and younger siblings moved to Otis Orchards, WA in 1939.
She lived with her two older sisters in order to finish high school, rejoining her parents in 1940.
Little did she know that her pen pal during World War II would become her husband of 58 years.
She married Irvin V. Mickelsen on February 2, 1946.
They had two children Karen L. (Lee) and Kevin L. (Elena).
Mom and Dad joined a square dance class.
They and fellow classmates formed The Diamond Squares in 1961.
They were later distinguished as Charter Members.
Leone was the unofficial historian of The Diamond Squares.
Mom spent untold hours playing cards with the same group of dancers long into retirement.
She bowled many years at Imperial Lanes on the Strikettes bowling team.
After Irvin retired they belonged on the Hunose team, bowling at Lilac Lanes.
She retired from bowling and the Hunose team in 2008.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harvey H. (Emma B. Trout) Hammer, her sisters Blanche (Leo) Anderson, Isa (Casper) Anderson, Alice B.
(Lynn) Hoffman, Ollie (Lynn) Hoffman and Henrietta Hammer.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Jesse (Irene) Hammer, Howard (Marie) Hammer and Alton (Frances) Hammer.
She is survived by her children, many nieces, nephews and friends
Private burial was held at Fairmount Memorial Park, Spokane, Washington on September 26, 2012.
Please make memorial donations to Hospice of Spokane for their wonderful service easing her final needs.