Leonard Michael

Leonard Lee Michael passed away on March 9, 2021 at the Regent Park Nursing Home in Holyoke at the age of 89.

Leonard was the youngest of three sons born to George and Maude (Bjorklun) Michael born on Dec. 3, 1931 in Haxtun. After the passing of George in 1941 when Leonard was nine, Maude married True Shannep in 1946, who became a loyal friend and counselor to Leonard.

Leonard attended school through the eighth grade at Fairfield Country School and graduated from Haxtun High School in 1949. Following graduation, he served his country for four years in the Air Force. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Donna, in Presque Isle, Maine.

Leonard married Donna Lindsay on March 28, 1956 in Danforth, Maine. To this union two children were born, Bradley James and Vicki Lynn. Leonard and Donna made their home on a farm northeast of Haxtun until health issues made it necessary to move to Regent Park Nursing Home in January 2018.

He was a self-employed farmer for the majority of his life with his wife by his side. He served as a board member for Fairfield Covenant Church, Haxtun Co-Op, Haxtun School Board and was a member of the Gideons.

Leonard lived by a strong faith and was active in the Fairfield Covenant Church and Berean Bible Church in Haxtun. His greatest joys were his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, big Sunday dinners/get-togethers with family and friends and homemade pizza every Saturday night.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Donna, of almost 65 years; son Bradley and his wife Deb, Haxtun; daughter Vicki Benson and husband Rex, Sterling; grandchildren Andrea Schlachter and husband Hazen, Holyoke, Aaron Michael and wife Elizabeth, Haxtun, and Alan Michael and wife Kimberlee, Haxtun; great grandchildren Nicole, Ryan and Meredith Schlachter and Colton Michael; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents; step-father True Shannep; brothers Oscar and wife Norma Michael and Glen and wife Eva Michael; stepbrother Gene and wife Jodell Shannep; step-sister Inez (Henry) Dee; and nephew George Michael.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 17 at 10 a.m. at the Berean Bible Church in Haxtun. Burial will be at the Fairfield Cemetery.

Baucke Funeral Home of Holyoke, Colorado was in charge of the arrangements.