Leonard Lee Michael

Leonard Lee Michael passed away on March 9, 2021 at the Regent Park Nursing Home in Holyoke, Colorado, at the age of 89.  He was the youngest of three sons born to George and Maude (Bjorklun) Michael in Haxtun, Colorado, on December 3, 1931.  After the passing of George in 1941 when Leonard was 9, 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 4 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, Colorado, 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 was preceded in death by his parents, George and Maude Michael; step-father, True Shannep; brothers, Oscar (Norma) Michael and Glen (Eva) Michael; stepbrother, Gene (Jodell) Shannep and stepsister, Inez (Henry) Dee, and nephew George Michael.

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

Service to be held on Wednesday, March 17th at 10:00 a.m. at the Berean Bible Church in Haxtun.  Burial will be at the Fairfield Cemetery.    

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