Barry L. Mickelson

Barry L. Mickelson, 60, of Libby died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby from natural causes.

He was born June 24, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Garth and Colleen Starke Mickelson. He grew up in Cleveland. On June 28, 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on June 23, 1969.

After his service to his country, Mr. Mickelson moved to Florida where he attended school to become an air traffic controller, a job he enjoyed for 10 years. On June 9, 1999 he married Margaret Alexander in Libby. He had worked for the Libby Care Center for 11 years.

Mr. Mickelson enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports and music. 

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Mickelson of Libby; five children, Michelle Hrabar and husband Craig of Australia; P.J. Phillips of Portland, Ore.; Susan Sanders and husband Paul of Twin City, Wash.; Brian Mickelson of Kennewick, Wash.; and Chris Mickelson of Oregon; mother, Colleen J. Mickelson of Portland, Ore.; two brothers, Garry Hartz and wife Carolyne of Haines, Ore.; and Darrell Mickelson and wife Kathy of Oregon.

Private family services will be held. Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home in Libby handled local arrangements.