Obituary of Michael W. Louisell

Michael W. Louisell, 68, passed away December 26, 2018 in Olympia, Washington.  He was born in Duluth, Minnesota, the youngest of three boys and three girls to John H. and Katherine (McNamara) Louisell, on June 30, 1950.

Michael graduated from Seattle’s Chief Sealth High School in 1968, where he was a track and cross country holder for the school.  In 1972, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Washington and, in 1998, he earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College.

In 2006, at age 56, he married Cheryl Love of Richland, Washington, at a ceremony at Cannon Beach, Oregon.  They lived in Olympia and Yelm, and enjoyed vacations in Europe, Mexico and favorite areas of the U.S., including Oregon, Arizona, and California.

Michael enjoyed a 42-year career of writing and publication, from 1972 to 2018 working as a transportation reporter with the Daily Journal of Commerce, Seattle.  He was president of the Puget Sound Maritime Press Association and covered major construction stories, including construction of the Kingdome, first home of the Seattle Seahawks.  He moved to Montesano in 1990 to work for the Washington Public Power Supply System (now Energy Northwest) at Satsop, and at headquarters in Richland when the state’s first commercial nuclear power plant began operating.  He closed out his career as public information officer for more than 18 years with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Michael’s favorite movie was “The Godfather,” followed by any war movie. He loved reading newspapers, especially Dear Abby, the editorial pages, and the comics. He enjoyed University of Washington Husky football, attending several Christian churches and Bible study groups, playing tennis, visiting public and presidential libraries, gin martinis, and taking several walks a day.

Michael is survived by his wife, Cheryl Love; brother, David Louisell (Judy) of Bellelvue; sisters, Mary Brown of Bellevue, Washington, and Joan Kahla (Jeff) of dallas, Texas.  He is preceded in death by his father, John H. Louisell; mother, Katherine Louisell Stoterau; brother, John Louisell; and sister, Suzanne Hoste.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at Hidden Creek Community Church, 1807 9th Ave. SW, Olympia, WA 98502. 

Memorial donations may be may be made to the Olympia Timberland Public Library System and the Olympia Union Gospel Mission.