May 4, 1943 - March 8, 2020

Mike, aka Papa Cheese, passed away March 8, 2020 at the age of 76, after a short illness.

He is survived by his children; sons Erik Abelsen, Dean Abelsen, daughters Joyell Freese, Kristine Kolbeck (Stephen) and Kathleen Walker (David) along with 7 grandchildren; Andrew Abelsen, Mason Booth, Brianna Mallant, Ashley Kolbeck, Forrest Walker, Mikayla Kolbeck and Elijah Walker, and so many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. Preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Carol Grace Abelsen (Glover), parents, Arthur and Inga Abelsen and his siblings, Art Abelsen, Lorraine Volpone, Shirley Bjornsson and niece Louise Ann Haram.

Mike was born and raised in Ballard, growing up within Ballard First Lutheran, a proud graduate of Ballard High school, (Go Beavers!) and a proud member of the Sons of Norway Leif Erickson lodge. He raised his family in Shoreline, WA as a member of First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach.

Mike spent much of his career as a Computer Program Manager at Blue Cross, Premera, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin, to name a few. Mike spent time working on contract in Kansas, Arkansas, South Carolina, Boston, and California from 1993-2005 when he returned to Washington, residing at Port Susan Camping Club and finishing his career at Premera Blue Cross in Mountlake Terrace, WA, retiring in 2007.

Mike had a way of making all who met him feel like family and were treated as such. His door was always open and a beverage offered. He was a comic, a storyteller had a wicked quick wit. He LOVED his people and was a very proud Dad and Grandfather, “Just ask Mike, he’ll tell ya”...

Memorial Service is TBD. Moral of this is: Don’t die at the beginning of a pandemic. 

Please sign the guest book below.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

A Celebration of Life service will be held some time in the future: To Be Determined.