Newspaper article from Spokane WA paper - 1972

A faulty upstairs extension cord has been blamed for the fire Monday that claimed the lives of three persons and injured two others.

Mrs. Carol J. Mikkelsen, 35, and two of her daughters, Kristina, 13, and Regina, 9, died of smoke inhalation in the early morning fire at the W2419 Maxwell home.

Another daughter, Diana, 11, and the girls' grandmother, Mrs. Mildred Hewkin, 64, were taken to Deaconess Hospital.

Diana, who is suffering from pneumonia due to smoke inhalation, and Mrs, Hewkin, suffering from pneumonia and shock, both were listed in fair condition today.

Capt. Paul R. Nolan, the city fire department's arson investigator, said the fire apparently started in an upstairs hallway, with flames spreading down to the living room and kitchen areas and then upwards to the second floor and roof.

The family's father, Duane A. Mikkelsen, and teen-aged son, Peter, had left the house only a half-hour before the fire on a hunting trip.

They had returned to pick up some forgotten shells when they found the house in flames.

obituary contributed by: Linda Morice

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The Spokesman-Review

Spokane, Washington · Thursday, November 02, 1972

MIKKELSEN, Kristina Joyce

Passed away Oct. 30 at her home, W2419 Maxwell. Surviving are her father, Duane Mikkelsen at the home; one brother, Peter D. Mikkelsen at the home; one sister, Diana K. Mikkelsen at the home; grandmother Mrs. Mildred Hewkin, at the home; grandmother, Hilda Mikkelsen, Cashmere, Wash.; one aunt, Mrs. Juanita Buher, Bremerton, Wash. Funeral services Thursday, Nov. 2 at 9 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, W1507 Dean Ave., The Rev. Theodore F. X. Bradley officiating. Committal services Friday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m., at Cashmere Cemetery, Cashmere, Wash. The HENNESSEY FUNERAL HOME, N2203 DIVISION ST., in charge of arrangements.