Jane Wilson Micklesen

May 12, 1923 – November 29, 2017

Jane W Micklesen

Jane was loving, kind, smart, and honest.  If you ever met Jane on one of her daily walks you would be greeted warmly and with a big smile.  She had a passion for learning, healthy living, gardening, and was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Jane W. Micklesen, a long time resident of Lake Forest Park, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 29th, 2017.  She was born to Judson Duckett Wilson and Stella Willamina Heger in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  Her family moved to St. Paul where Jane and her two sisters grew up.  During WWII Jane joined the Women’s Army Corps in 1944, where she served as a nurse.  Using her art talent Jane sketched many of her patients and wrote some interesting information about each one.

Jane

She returned home after the war where she attended Macalester College graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.  During her college years Jane met her future husband of 61 years, Lew Reid Micklesen.  Jane and Reid married in 1950.  They moved to Seattle area in 1953 for the first time, then away in 1961 to experience other University towns, and then back to Seattle, the city they loved, in 1966.

Jane enjoyed the arts and shared this love with those around her.  She studied and practiced modern dance for a good portion of her life.  Jane also had a love for botany.  She was active in many garden clubs.  She volunteered at the University of Washington arboretum for many years and was a member of the Northwest Rock Garden Society.  Often when you couldn’t find Jane she could be found out tending to her own extensive botanical collection.  Jane and her husband warmly opened their home to many foreign students that were attending the University, providing a rich cultural experience for all.  She was very giving throughout her life to many different charities, wanting to help as many in need as possible.

Jane enjoyed stamp collecting and was a regular member of the local stamp club.  She was an experienced knitter and seamstress.  Producing many beautiful sweaters and clothes for her family and friends.  Jane shared her love of birding with her family and enjoyed providing a bird friendly environment in her yard.  In her quiet time Jane loved to read, work on crossword puzzles, and bake healthy breads and “cookies”.  Jane gave up sugar in 1974, so these really were healthy.  In her later years Jane loved exercising daily.  She regularly took Pilates classes with her wonderful neighborhood friends, Tai chi, and daily long walks.

Jane was predeceased by her husband Reid.  She is survived by her three children Kim Micklesen, Scott Micklesen, and Ann Shriver; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

We will miss Jane’s strength, gratitude, wisdom, and humility.  Per Jane’s wishes, no services will be held.