Michelle 'Chelle' Yvonne (Fellows) Haakenson, 62

Michelle Yvonne (Fellows) Haakenson began forever with Jesus on Aug. 22, 2026. Her final days were filled with countless visitors who had enjoyed her warmth and hospitality throughout her 62 years of life.

Michelle (Chelle) found her greatest joy in loving and serving those around her. Titles like daughter, wife, mother, grandma, colleague, and friend seem inadequate; her manner for making others feel cherished and supported was profound. She was an exceptional hostess whose warmth, kindness, and welcoming presence will be deeply missed by many.

An only child of Linda (Leer) and Roy Fellows, Chelle was born May 8, 1964, in Chicago, Ill., and raised in Bakersfield, Calif. During her childhood, she also lived in Malawi, Africa, while her mother served with a dental mission. As a teenager, she was delighted when her mother, Linda, remarried Jack Strahan in 1978, and she gained two younger siblings, Kimberly and Christopher. Shortly afterward, the family relocated to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Chelle graduated high school from Upper Columbia Academy, attended North Idaho College, and studied nursing at Walla Walla College.

Chelle met Eric Haakenson while attending North Idaho College. The two married in 1986 at First Presbyterian Church, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 40 years. Eric’s steady career with the Hagadone Corporation gave Chelle the opportunity to stay at home with her son, Karl Haakenson, and daughter, Kirsten Haakenson, in whom she was exceptionally proud. 

Chelle and Eric made their home primarily in and around Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, though they embraced the opportunity to move their young family to Mililani, Hawai’i, for seven years. There, Chelle grew to love the food, culture, and especially the people. After returning to North Idaho, Chelle and Eric built their forever home in Hayden in 2008.

As her children grew, Chelle found joy in seeing the family expand. Her motherly care overflowed to Karl’s friend Chase Anderson, whom she considered a son. As her kids began pairing off, she always warmly welcomed significant others. She was delighted to add Hannah (Cooper) to the family through marriage to Karl in 2022 and was eager to add Kirsten’s fiancé, Josh Nishimoto, to the family. She was overjoyed when Chase became engaged to Larissa Rollins in her final days.

Chelle was beyond thrilled when she became “Grammie” to Karl & Hannah’s daughter, Kaya Haakenson, now 18 months old. She delighted in weekly opportunities to dote on the budding babe. 

Before becoming a mother, Chelle was employed as a bank teller, where she was known for her reliability and attention to detail. As her children matured, she resumed employment as a receptionist for the counseling practice Genesis Associates. For 10 years, she was the warm, smiling face who welcomed clients and staff alike. Her reputation for organization and reliable records later led her to take on bookkeeping responsibilities before her retirement in 2024.

In recent years, Chelle regularly attended Cd'A Big Band events where Eric performed. The couple were members and served at First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed getting away to putter around the lake on their Ranger Tugboat. Cooking for and hosting friends and family remained a constant and cherished rhythm of her life.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Eric Haakenson of Hayden; her mother and stepfather, Linda and Jack Strahan; her son, Karl Haakenson and his wife, Hannah; her daughter, Kirsten Haakenson and her fiancé, Josh Nishimoto, of Coeur d’Alene; and her beloved granddaughter, Kaya, who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her sister, Kimberly, and her husband, Walt, of Adelaide, Australia; her brother, Christopher, and his wife, Ellen, of Spring Lake, N.C.; her aunt, Lynn Morehead, of Bakersfield, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. She also loved her dogs, Alfalfa, and the late Finnegan and Spencer.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father, Roy Fellows, DDS, and her uncle, Ronald Fellows, DDS, both of Bakersfield, Calif.

A celebration of life is planned for Nov. 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene. Please visit the Yates Funeral Home website (www.yatesfuneralhomes.com) to share a memory. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Neighborhood Closet (children's clothing) at First Presbyterian Church or Hospice of North Idaho, in memory of Michelle.

    Haakenson