Leon Halvorson of Mill Creek, Washington passed away on December 30, 2024. He was 88 years old.
Leon was born on the family farm in Leeds, ND. Leon graduated from Leeds High School and was active in Future Farmers of America. In 1958 he married Audrey. They made their home in Cando, ND where Leon worked for Standard Oil company delivering to the community for several years.
On 1978 Leon brought his family out west to Bothell, WA. He worked for the Seattle Times/Seattle Post Intelligence newspaper until he retired. He always said that working for the newspaper company was one of the best decisions he ever made.
Leon had many interests; however, his main passion was people. He made everyone feel welcome and greeted everyone who crossed his path with a smile. No one was a stranger. He was truly interested in engaging with people and to hear their stories and life experiences. Throughout the years he would meet his group of lifelong friends for coffee every morning at the local Denny’s and later Shari’s in Kirkland.
Later in life he and Audrey moved to the Mill Creek Retirement Community at Cogir. Leon and Audrey embraced the retirement community life. They immersed themselves in the community and built numerous, cherished friendships along the way.
In 1978 Leon and Audrey brought their family out west to Bothell, Washington. Audrey found employment with Sundstrand in Redmond. After her retirement from Sundstrand she settled in at home enjoying her crafts, family & savoring that first cup of coffee. In 1996, her mother Irene moved to Audrey and Leon’s home. Audrey gained an avid Bingo partner with Irene. She and her mother enjoyed many games at Sno-king Bingo. Audrey’s other hobbies included doing puzzles, and crocheting. She crocheted beautiful dollies, tablecloths, blankets, etc., with masterful skill. She left behind many treasured family keepsakes.
In addition to people, Leon was a friend to animals. He had his beloved Bichon Frisé “Buddy” for many years. Buddy traveled with Leon everywhere. After Buddy passed, Leon adopted a little poodle mix and named her Molly. Like Buddy, they were inseparable and went everywhere together.
Leon felt his greatest accomplishments second to his family was his 42 years of sobriety. “It changed my life!”
Leon and Audrey are survived by their children Lori Bryant, Joni Halvorson (Larry Arnold) and Pam Halvorson; his sister Sherry Sether and brother Allen Halvorson (Evelyn), his grandchildren; Michael Bryant, Richard Bryant, Joseph Armey (Teresa), Katrina Armey Comer, Krista Mayne (Ken Lundigren), Dustin Mayne, Kyle Mayne, several great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandson, numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Audrey is also survived her brother Art Schneider, sister Karen Dunn (Joe) brother Richard Schneider (Cherie).
Leon was preceded in death by his wife Audrey who passed during Covid, infant son Randy, daughter Debra, parents Lyle and Harriet Halvorson, brother Delton (Betty), sister Deanna Steil (Manny), brother Curtis Halvorson, grandson Skyler Comer and nephew Elliott Shuster.
Audrey Halvorson of Mill Creek, Washington passed away during Covid on October 30, 2020. She was 80 years old.
Audrey was born in Langdon, ND. She attended St. Mary’s Academy in Devils Lake.
In 1958 Audrey married Leon Halvorson. They made their home in Devils Lake where they had five children, eventually moving to the city of Cando when Leon started working for Standard Oil. Audrey worked as secretary for several years at Cando Lumber.
A memorial service is planned for both Audrey and Leon on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm. It will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 11611 NE 140th St, Kirkland, WA 98034
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made on behalf of Leon and Molly to: The NOAH Center at 31300 Brandstrom Road, Stanwood, WA 98292. Online remembrances can be made at: thenoahcenter.org. [The NOAH Center is the dog rescue where they found Molly.]
