Louise Barker

Louise Mikelsen Barker December 21, 1925 July 18, 2004 Born a month early on December 21, Louise's arrival probably did not come as a surprise to her mother, Anna. Anna had worked the better part of that day, scrubbing the kitchen walls and ceiling, in preparation for Christmas. Louise was born to Norwegian immigrant parents, in a craftsman home on Sedgwick Road. Educated at Banner School, and at South Kitsap High School, she graduated from her studies in 1943, while at the same time, working as a high school secretary to Art Grosso. She raised her four children in Harper, providing them with the gifts of love, country music, and home cooked meals. She also saw to it that funds were set aside for fishing lures, Little League supplies, Scholastic Book Services' book orders, Camp Fire Girls' accessories, and clean school clothing. A gift her children will cherish most is that she was at home to greet them upon their daily arrival from the afternoon school bus. Her parents Anna Louise and Mike Mikelsen, and her sister Agnes precede Louise in death. She is survived by the father of her children, Otis Barker; her four children, Judith Louise (Steve) Kvinsland, Brian (Sally) Barker, Brett (Angie) Barker, and Kathleen (Phil) McEwen; her grandchildren, Anna Louise (Yorgen) Kvinsland, Britten Barker, Paul Kvinsland, Nicholas Barker, Austin Jackman, and Mariah Louise Barker; her great grandchildren Songe Kvinsland; and her siblings Helen Stepper, Myrt Moilanen, and Art (Alice) Mikelsen. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be given to the Friends of the Manchester Library, P.O. Box 128, Manchester, WA 98353, or, to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are through Rill Chapel's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard, Washington. Louise's family and friends are invited to attend a service and a celebration of her life, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2004 at Sedgwick Cemetery. Sedgwick Cemetery is located at the intersection of Sedgwick Road and Peterson Road SE, across the street from John Sedgwick Junior High. A luncheon will follow the service, at the home of her son, Brett, in Southworth. For their continued care, compassion, and expertise, Louise's family wishes to thank Dr. Raheela Sadiq, Gig Harbor, WA; the extraordinary staff at Manor Care Health Services, Gig Harbor, WA; the Gig Harbor Fire Department; the physicians and staff at St. Joseph Hospital, Tacoma, WA.