Obituaries
Pat A. Preston
Pat A. Preston, Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend, is in Heaven. Pat was born to John and Elizabeth Taylor on August 3, 1934 in Kirkland, WA, and was the youngest of 15 children. Pat died on June 8, 2010, at home in Mill Creek, WA, surrounded by her family, one year and one week after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Throughout Pat’s cancer journey, she was always peaceful, loving, filled with grace and was not afraid to die because she knew she would go to Heaven. She inspired us all everyday. Our family’s great comfort is knowing that Pat is experiencing eternal joy.
Pat’s favorite Bible verse was 1st Corinthians, Chapter 2, Verse 9, which reads: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on us, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
As Pat grew up, she loved cooking, baking, dancing and music. Pat took several kinds of dance lessons during her life including ballet, square dancing, tap, jazz, hula and ballroom. She also played several musical instruments including guitar, organ, violin, accordion and piano. When Pat’s children were small, they loved it when their Mom would turn on the radio and pick them up, one by one, and swing them around and dance with each of them. Consequently, all of Pat’s children love music, dancing and singing.
Pat had a loving, generous, creative, high energy and delightfully talkative personality. She also had a tremendous amount of life wisdom and depth, and was very sensitive. She loved variety and being on the go. She loved music boxes, all Disney movies and musicals, travelling in their RV and seeing all of the beautiful nature scenes that God created.
Pat was a meticulous, talented homemaker and also offered great support for her husband, Jerry, and his 40 year career at The Boeing Company. Pat’s greatest joy and her mission in life was raising her large family. Pat always wanted 12 children, but instead had 6 children (5 daughters and one son) in 7 years and all before she was 28 years old. Pat and Jerry were extremely busy during their early married years, to say the least. After all 6 of Pat’s children were married, she was thrilled because she finally had her 12 children. She loves her daughter and sons-in-law as her own.
Pat leaves behind her husband, Jerry Preston of 56 years in Mill Creek, WA and her 12 children: Michelle & (Roger) Boler of Slidell, Louisiana; (John Patella) and Teresa Preston-Patella of Snohomish, WA; Becky and (Bob) Wallace of Windsor, CA; Tammy and (David) Huss of Redmond, WA; Jerry and (Caroline) Preston of Redmond, WA; and Pam and (Greg) Fisher of Kirkland, WA. Pat also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 4 of their spouses and 1
great-grandchild.
Our Dearest Pat, Mom and Grandma, We love you so much and you will live on in our hearts forever. We will see you again someday in Heaven.
Geraldine Noreen Bryant
Born 9/5/47, San Diego, CA
Passed Away 6/5/10, Evergreen Hospice after a long battle with cancer.
She was part of homeward Pets for 19 years, First as a volunteer where she quickly became addicted to helping the homeless cats and dogs that came to the shelter, then as a staff person where she continued her dedication to the animals. Geraldine and her husband fostered many kittens and puppies though the years and also adopted several. They have travel the world, loved movies-old and new, music, history and so much more. Geraldine lived an amazing life and will be truly missed. Survived by her husband of 40 years, Richard (Dick), her father Robert Hayes of Everett, and by brothers Robert of Renton, Bruce of Seattle, Douglas of Kent and by sisters Susan Thompson of Tukwila, and Julie Wilson of Everett. In lieu of flowers please send remembrances to Homeward Pet Adoption Center. P.O. Box 2293 Woodinville, WA 98072. www.homewardpet.org
Roderick Richard Kirkwood
Roderick Richard Kirkwood was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Virginia, and his second wife, Sharon Kirkwood, to whom he was married 18 years. Survived by his brothers, William Kirkwood of Casper Wyoming and Thomas Kirkwood of St. Paul, Minnesota, son, Roderick V. (Joan) Kirkwood, daughter Carolyn S.(Evan) Buehl, step-sons Tyler (Dominika) Fullerton, Troy (Gwendolyn) Fullerton and Todd (Zoila) Fullerton, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Recognized for his active role in the design and development aspect of the building industry for 56 years, of which 46 years were with John Graham and Co., Architects, Engineers and Planners. He started a mechanical engineer, rising to partner and then president of John Graham and Co. in 1976. He was active in the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Rainer Club and International President of ASHRAE( American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) in 1973/74. He was most proud of his time spent as a design team member for the Space Needle. He retired in 1998. After retirement, he enjoyed time with his wife Sharon, traveling and pursuing his passions of naturopathic healing.
At this time his ashes will be interred together with his second wife, Sharon. May they both rest in peace.
Paul Warner 1937 – 2010
A Brilliant Life
Kiddingly called The Data Whisperer, Paul Warner was an expert in designing Business Intelligence computer systems for some of the world’s largest corporations such as Microsoft where he was working as a Senior Database Architect/Analyst .Net developer until pulmonary fibrosis swiftly took him on May 29th. This was the culmination of a lifelong quest to continually learn and create ways to help others solve problems. As a youngster, he knew he wanted to become an Engineer. Some memorable experiments were engines that ran on water which rusted before they blew up, a portable radio with antenna lining his bib overalls using the quartz crystal he found in the woods and harnessing lightening during rainstorms resulting in powerful electric arcs in his bedroom. All were precursors to his potential and eventual successful career resulting in eight highly scientific patents for Fortune 500 corporations.
Paul was born in Elmhurst, IL the 6th child of 7 to Virgil and Ruth Warner. When he was 5 they moved to an extremely rural farm in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri. This was like going back in time as they had no heat, running water or electricity. The physical labor to do all things manually while attending a one room school house, created an extremely independent individual with an intense curiosity and drive to seek and make things happen. As soon as he graduated from high school with honors, he immediately joined the Navy at the Great Lakes School for Engineers. After four years of many adventures in the Pacific with Top Secret Clearance he was honorably discharged. On the way home his train stopped in a town announcing college registration. He got off and was accepted at Texas Christian University where he really enjoyed playing on the football team while teaching most of his own math classes. A graduate degree in math and science from the University of Texas at Austin resulted in his first engineering job at Dukane. He excelled and held several exciting and challenging positions including President of Northern Communications, VP of Engineering for Muzak/Westinghouse and Director of Advanced Development for Dow Jones & Co.
In 1991, it was time for a change in this workaholic’s life. He and his wife Laurie purchased a business and property at the base of the Snowy Mountains in Laramie, Wyoming allowing Paul to build by hand their house on the prairie where they enjoyed horses and dogs and the freshest air one can find. By 2000, Paul was working for Compuware in Milwaukee, WI becoming one of the cities’ most sought after consultants and where he designed 2 of his patents for real time vision control for the global printing company Quad Graphics. Following the job trail, Salt Lake City, Utah was next where he worked for Rio Tinto and Zion’s Bank. In 2008, he decided to move to Seattle to spend time with his two grandchildren while continuing to work, which you probably have guessed by now was actually fun for him.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Laurie; his two sons from his first marriage Robert and Sam; two grandchildren; his older brothers Roscoe and Sidney, his sister Beverly Ann as well as many nieces and nephews and all of their children scattered across the Midwest. At 6’5” tall and described as a gentle giant, Paul was a shy, unpretentious genius who preferred a life free of all things mundane. His generous nature and constant positive encouragement to all who knew him will be sorely missed.
Mary Frances Spears
Mary Frances Spears passed away on May 30, 2010 at the age of 82 as the result of a massive stroke, and is now in the loving arms of God. She was born Mary Frances Bailey on July 25, 1927 in Spokane, WA, to David and Frances Bailey. She was an only child, and the delight of her parents. She attended North Central High School, and later Washington State University in Pullman, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in English Literature and Psychology. It was here she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Spears, a returning WWII vet on the G.I. bill. They were married in 1949, and moved to Seattle, WA to accommodate Bob’s job with Boeing as an engineer.
In 1954 they welcomed a son, William (Bill), followed in 1957 by a daughter Linda. Mary loved being a mother, and made sure her children had all the advantages, protection, and love she could give them. She never relinquished this job, and later extended it to include her son and daughter-in-law, whom she loved dearly. She was very creative, and fell in love with indoor and outdoor gardening, flower arranging and oriental décor. She became a very talented cook with a special flair for Italian cooking, which her family enjoyed thoroughly throughout the years.
In 1968 she and Bob moved to what is now Newcastle, and built their dream home overlooking Lake Washington. She designed and installed all the beautiful landscaping on the hillside site, especially delighting in her favorite rhododendrons. From her living room she never tired of watching the ever-changing view of the lake, and from here she fed her beloved feathered friends of all types. She was a consummate birder, with an especial affinity for owls, hummingbirds and loons. She was never without her field glasses, and every vacation included time for birding.
She loved to travel, starting with early camping trips with the kids to the ocean and the mountains. Later she and Bob took trips to farther destinations, touring almost every corner of the country and much of Canada. She especially loved Hawaii with all of the lush vegetation, flowers, and unique birds. But she always returned to the Washington and Oregon coast as her favorite destination.
She was an avid reader with a profound love of books. She worked as a librarian at various times in her life, but it could be said that she had her very own library at home, supplying reading material for all who came to her. In support of her husband she also became a proficient golfer in mid-life, and insisted on encouraging her husband’s love of the game. She even had a hole-in-one to her credit! Now every trip included golf clubs as well as field glasses.
She was an avid and knowledgeable fan of all of the Seattle sports teams, but was especially fond of the Mariners. She was staunchly conservative politically, and a devoted patriot with a deep love of country. Although she eschewed most modern technology in favor of the more traditional ways of life, (“Give me a whale blubber lamp and a goose quill pen!”, she used to say) in her later years she embraced digital photography as a way of integrating all her interests in birds, gardening, and all aspects of nature and its beauty. Add the camera to the list of “never leave home withouts”.
She was always self-effacing and thoughtful, keeping in touch with old friends, never without a kind word or thought for everyone, generous with her charities, had a delightful sense of humor, and was a sentimental softie.
Mary is survived by her husband Bob of 62 years, her son Bill Spears and wife Anne (Lightfoot) of Bellevue, and daughter Linda Matson and husband Charles Matson of Enumclaw. We shall all miss her more than words can say. Her passing has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Mom, we know we’ll met again. We love you.
Mary’s ashes will be scattered on Lake Washington in a private ceremony.
Memorials can be made to CARE, at www.care.org, or The Nature Conservancy, at www.nature.org.
Jean Jenny
Jean Mansfield Jenny of Bellevue passed away peacefully on May 29, 2010 at the age of 89. She was born in Yonkers, NY and attended Russell Sage College where she met her husband Robert Jenny. They moved to Bellevue in 1955. Jean earned her Master of Social Work degree in 1964 and had a private practice until her retirement. She was a founder of Overlake Memorial Hospital and founded the Eastside Society of Clinical Social Workers. She loved boating and swimming, gardening and grand-parenting. She was pre-deceased by Robert (Sept. 09) and son Paul, and is survived by her daughters Robin Rothschild (Harvey), Heather Fandrich (Darrell), and grandchildren Wendy, Jay (Laura) and Marc (Elizabeth) Rothschild, Tasha Mikko (Doug) and Steffen Chambers, and great-grandchildren Henry, William, Colin and Graham. A memorial for Jean and Rob will be held at 2pm Saturday, June 12 at Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club in Bellevue.
JEAN McKNIGHT
ELLA GENEVRA “JEAN” McKNIGHT
Born in Butte, Montana May 25 1915 to Alice and Alfred Downs. Jean now is joined in heaven with, her daughter Jo Ann McKnight, brothers Mike & Jim Downs, & sisters Virginia Langworthy & Mary Greene, as well as her parents.
Jean is survived by her husband of 70 years, Rev. C. Joe McKnight, sisters Grace Jernigan (Bill) Federal Way, and Faith Ballenger (Steve) Montana, brothers Mike Downs of Montana, John Downs (Irene) of Auburn, Tim & David Downs of Montana. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces & nephews as well as great grand nieces & nephews.
She loved the Lord and had been involved in foreign missions in Indonesia, co-pastoring churches. Played the guitar left handed and used her talent by playing and singing in church and on radio. She was also involved in Bible teaching in Sunday School and Bible school. She is absent from the body but at home with the Lord. We miss her greatly but rejoice in knowing that she is enjoying heaven and the presence of the Savior whom she so dearly loved.
Graveside Thursday June 3rd 1:00 PM
Celebration of Life. Sunday 3:00 PM
Bethel Christian Center
414 S.W. 312th
Federal Way, Wa.
Wilhelm Rettenbacher
Wilhelm Rettenbacher was born January 19th, 1924 in Schladming, Austria. Raised in Austria until the age of 14 when he took to the road by himself and traveled to Hamburg, Germany. Once Wilhelm arrived in Hamburg he quickly found work as a deck hand on one of the many fishing boats.
Wilhelm worked as a deck hand until the age of 17 when he joined the German Kreigsmarine. During his time with the Kreigsmarine he was once again united with the Ocean when he was a member of the famous German U-Boat Fleet. Wilhelm served with the German Army and the U-Boats until the end of World War II. Once the War ended, Wilhelm returned to work as a deck hand on a Swedish fishing boat.
In 1955 Wilhelm decided to risk leaving his home in Germany and immigrate to Canada. Ten years past in Canada and Willie entered the United States of America via Seattle, Washington. Once in Seattle, Willie joined the Merchant Marines. Willie began his career with the Merchant Marines as an Ensign in 1965 and served with Pride and Honor for 38 years. Wilhelm held the rank of 2nd Officer at the time of his retirement from the Merchant Marines at the age of 79. Despite travelling thousands of miles from home, Willie still remained loyal and returned home to Austria every year for the last 30 years.
Wilhelm Rettenbacher survived his son Ronald Rettenbacher. He battled prostate cancer for 18 years, bladder cancer for 2 years, and Willie finally passed on Tuesday May 25th, 2010 at the age of 86 due to renal failure with his closest family members by his side comforting him. He is survived by his Wife of 26 years, Marlies Rettenbacher, three step-children, five grand children, and four great grand children.
Throughout his life Wilhelm walked to the beat of his own drum. He loved life and lived his 86 years on this Earth to the fullest. Willie loved to ski and loved to share that passion with others. More so than anything else though, the most common thread during the course of his life Wilhelm respected and cherished the open Ocean. Wilhelm will be returned to the Ocean that gave him so much joy and the Ocean that played such a large roll in his life. 
Robert (Bob) Carl Volz
Robert (Bob) Carl Volz, loving father, husband, and grandfather passed peacefully on May 16, 2010 after a 14 month battle with brain cancer. Born in Seattle to parents Herbert and Mary Volz on June 2, 1925. A native of Seattle, his first job was collecting nickels from parking meters for the City of Seattle. During WWII he worked long shoring and after the war, he worked on a fish packer in Alaska.
Bob loved the life and became a commercial troller in SE Alaska. Bob met his wife, Marguerite Fox, in Sitka and they married in 1953. They lived in Kirkland for 44 years. Bob was a lifetime member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Local 32. He worked the Alaska pipeline, in addition to several shops locally. He retired in 1987. Bob and Marguerite traveled to Europe, Australia, Mexico, and around the U.S. Bob enjoyed summers spent sailing the Puget Sound with his family, creating art through sketches and paintings, and rebuilding and owning several Hudson’s.
Bob is survived by his wife, Marguerite; six children: Ron (Maureen), Frank (Sheree), Sam, Will, Bev Kocher (Rocky) and Anna Jahnke (Dave); five grandchildren: Katie, Doug, Isaac, Amanda, and Lindsay; sister Barbara Burkey (John) and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Mary Volz, sisters Carla Olson and Johanna Nikerenz, and brother Raymond.
A Celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m., June 5th at 15620 161st
Ave NE, in Woodinville.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Evergreen Hospice or Swedish
Cancer Research.
Carol (Marjory) Knepper Thompson
Carol (Marjory) Knepper Thompson
August 26, 1939 – May 19, 2010
Carol passed away peacefully at home on May 19th surrounded by her family, after a valiant one year fight with pancreatic cancer. Carol arrived in this world in a speeding ambulance in downtown Los 
Angeles, CA on August 26, 1939 the daughter of Garnet and Kenneth Knepper. Shortly after, her family moved to Bellevue, WA where she was raised with her siblings (Kenny, Bill, Marilyn, Winifred, Barbara, Shirley, David, Linda, Katy and Gayle). She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1957. On May 31, 1958 she married the sailor she was smitten with, Darrell Dore Thompson, at the Congressional Church on Northeast Eighth. Carol and Darrell began building their family a few years later and raised five wonderful daughters in Surrey Downs in Bellevue and then in 1976 relocated to Fall City so the they could all enjoy the country life. Carol then went on the earn a degree in “Home Management”, which secured her the position of CEO of the Family. The house was always filled with kids, friends, the scents of homemade food and limitless laughter. Outside the horses, dogs, kitties and bunnies roamed the grassy fields amongst Carol’s blossoming flowers. The clang of the back door was a constant as friends and family were always stopping by to be part of the loving home that Carol and Darrell created.
Over the years Carol dedicated her life to giving to others. She instilled in her girls the gifts of giving, helping and loving. You could always count on Carol to be there to help out. Carol and Darrell were avid travelers and took their children and grandchildren all over the country. She much preferred to travel in their motor home. Carol had a way of making it a “home” on wheels and logged many hours entertaining and welcoming her friends wherever they ended up. She enjoyed playing gin and other games with her friends, children and grandchildren. Carol had a natural creative ability and let is shine in all the numerous projects she took part in. She was a beautiful seamstress and loved to spend time in her sewing room creating and teaching her grandchildren to sew. Carol had the utmost respect for those who served our country and she possessed an unending patriotic spirit. One of her favorite sights was the American flag flying in the wind. Carol loved working in her gardens and spent countless hours making it a beautiful sanctuary. She took pride in the many rhododendren bushes she planted over the years and loved summer days sitting under her gazebo visiting with family and friends. Carol loved to ski with her girls, snowmobile with Darrell and their friends and she loved beachcombing and found great joy in finding stones shaped liked hearts.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Darrell; her five daughters Kim Thompson of Dana Point, CA, Kellie (Steve) Wagner of Sammamish, WA, Karly (Craig) Peiffer of Lansing, MI, Kami Curtis of Livermore, CA and Keri (Marc) Drewry of Seattle, WA, as well as her twelve grandchildren Christopher, Benjamin, Shawna, Matthew, Chris, Tayler, Eric, Claira, Brooke, Olivia, Audrey and Natasha; her siblings, Bill (Arlene) Knepper, Marilyn (Bob) Geiger, Winifred Basquette, David (June) Knepper and Linda (Duane) Mischke; Sue Thompson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom, we will miss your easy smile, the sparkle in your beautiful brown eyes and your warm embrace but please remember we will meet again at the Eastern Gate.
Family and friends are invited to a gathering to celebrate Carol’s life on Monday May 24, 2010 from 3:00-6:00PM at Beaver Lake Lodge, 25101 SE 24th Street, Sammamish, WA 98075.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to www.moyerfoundation.org/programs/CampErin.aspx.
JOHN DUFFY ERICKSON
JOHN DUFFY ERICKSON
Sadly our brother lost his battle with liver disease on May 14th 2010. Born on January 2nd 1961, he leaves behind brother Mike (Phyllis), sisters Anne and Jane (Darin), his many nieces and nephews along with an extended family and friends that he touched on his life journey.
Preceded in death by his mother Barbara, father John, sister Kathy and both sets of Grandparents.
Duffy was a kind, true friend who cherished his animals and family. During the many challenges of his illness, he always kept his unique sense of humor and continued to protect those around him from his fears.
He had a smart mind and was “our lifeline” for history, geography and music. He was grounded in his beliefs yet open to the changes of the world.
As heart wrenching it is to lose a loved one so young, it is comforting to know that he was at peace surrounded by his siblings while finding the path back to his parents. We know they were waiting to embrace him and to help make his transition complete.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr’s Justus, Arjal, Gavrila and Denny of Eastside GI and Evergreen Hospital. They cared for our brother both professionally and personally and was a pillar of support for him and his the family. The biggest thank you goes to the angels of Hospice in Kirkland. They were there every step of the way for Duffy and his family. They cared, listened, guided and gave our brother the utmost dignity during the last days of his life….we don’t know how to thank you incredible people enough.
Service will be held at Barton Family Funeral Service on Tuesday, May 25th at 10:00am, located at 11630 Slater Ave NE, Kirkland WA 98033. A burial at Mt View Cemetery in Centralia will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Duffy’s name to Hospice of Kirkland at 12040 NE 128th St, Kirkland WA 98034.
PLEASE BECOME AN 
ORGAN DONOR.
Karen Sue Anderson Kernell
Karen Sue Anderson Kernell , age 53, peacefully lost her brave battle to cancer on May 12, 2010.
She was born the third of five children to Harold ‘Mike’ Anderson and Nadine Price Anderson in Topeka, Kansas on October 30, 1956. She and her siblings lovingly referred to themselves as ‘Air Force Brats’, and they moved several times during her childhood – to Taiwan, then back to Kansas, then to Southern California.
In 1969, Karen’s family moved to Redmond, WA. She graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1974. During her high school years, Karen was a gymnast, and especially excelled at trampoline. She was also involved in choir.
Karen spent many years in the banking industry as a well-loved teller, but her most important job was that of a devoted mother to her four children. From a very young age, she wanted to be a ‘mommy’ when she grew up. As her children grew and had children of their own, Karen wholeheartedly embraced the title of Grandma and relished the time she spent with her grandchildren.
She enjoyed horseback riding, spending time at the beach, reading, crocheting, collecting precious stones, and in recent years, spent many a happy afternoon riding on the back of her husband’s Harley.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Harold ‘Mike’ Anderson and Nadine Price Anderson. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Steven Kernell, her four children, Julie (Ian) Maycock, Brian (Heather) Damron, Jamie (Ryan) Larsen and Amanda (Chris) Maciver, her six grandchildren, Peter, Kaylei, Mikayla, Ethan, Jeweliza, George and Baby Girl Maciver, who is due in October. She is also survived by her siblings, Ken (Debbie) Anderson, Kathy (Mike) Lane, Kristi Elser and Kevin Anderson, her lifelong friend, Jane Gunnyon-Berard and Barb Kraupie, her in-laws, Bud and Vada Kernell, and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and an eclectic collection of friends.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 7:00 pm at The Midnight Cry Church at Snohomish Evangelical Free Church, 210 Avenue B, Snohomish, WA 98290.
A memorial fund has been set up in Karen’s name at the Snohomish, WA Wells Fargo Branch, the proceeds of which will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
AGNES MARIE CLARK
AGNES MARIE CLARK (BARRETTA)
AGGIE
26 April 1939 – 17 May 2010
Aggie stepped back into the universe after her battle with a rare endocrine cancer. The process of dying was not as painful as having to leave her treasures: Cheryl Clark Weaver (Geoff) Issaquah Wa; Kevin (Laurie) Renton Wa; Jeffrey (Svetlana) Lynnwood Wa; Michael Issaquah Wa; grandchildren Aleksandra and Nikolas Lynnwood Wa. She was preceeded in death by her parents Frank and Agnes Barretta Frankfort NY.
She is also survived by her sisters Jo (Barretta) Schanzenbach (Seth) Baldwinsville NY; Rosalie (Barretta) Alsante (Jim) Frankfort NY; Fran Barretta Frankfort NY; Uncle Henry Loiacono (Sophie) West Winfield NY; a niece and two nephews, three great nieces and three great nephews, cousins in the US and Europe too numerous to count.
Aggie graduated from Greg Jarvis High School Mohawk NY (1956), attended Albany Medical Center School of Nursing Albany NY, graduated from the University of Washington with a BS degree. She worked as a research microbiologist at the Univ of Wa; authored and co-authored more than 25 articles that appeared in medical journals; was past member of Amer Soc of Microbiologists; past State President of the Washington State Federation of Business and Professional Women. She enjoyed working on miniature houses, traveling, knitting, gardening and reading, especially mystery novels.
At her request there was no memorial service but a dinner for immediate family and friends who were there for her. Many thanks to Dr. Picozzi and the oncology team at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle.
Her ashes were scattered to the four winds.
Fredrick Howard Rood
Fredrick Howard Rood
December 17, 1941 – May 13, 2010
JEROME – Fredrick “Fred” Howard Rood passed away May 13, 2010 at Overlake Medical Hospital in Bellevue, WA due to heart complications. Disposition will be by cremation. At the family’s request there will be a memorial service held for him in Montana this summer.
Mr. Rood was born on December 17, 1941 in Westwood, CA to Howard James Rood and Martha May (Pitken) Rood. He was raised in Weippe, Idaho with his 2 sisters Naomi and Elizabeth and 3 brothers Marvin, Kenneth “Kenny” and Connie. He married his wife Virginia Hirsch in 1971.
He graduated high school in Weippe, Idaho and then went into the Army serving during the Vietnam War. After the Army he attended the College of Southern Idaho where he obtained his certification as a diesel mechanic. He maintained his career in the transportation industry as a long haul truck driver for over 40 years with 16 of those years accompanied by his wife Virginia.
Mr. Rood enjoyed fishing, camping, race car driving and restoring automobiles. His first passion was his absolute devotion to his family and being with all the people that he cherished. His encouragement to others inspired them to be as kind hearted as he was.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Rood of Jerome, Idaho, son Gerrald Rood of Jerome, Idaho, daughter Michelle Berreth of Weippe, Idaho, daughter Shannon Goldenstein of Umatilla, Oregon, brother Kenneth Rood of Ripley, Tennessee, brother Connie Rood of Jerome, Idaho and 7 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father Howard Rood, mother Martha Rood, sisters Naomi Rood and Elizabeth Dakin and brother Marvin Rood.
Bartons Funeral Home of Bellevue, Washington is in charge of the cremation.
Michelle Winker
Michelle Winker, 51 of Issaquah, WA passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010 in Seattle, WA.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 22nd at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD.
Michelle Ann (Kinnunen) Winker, the daughter of Charles and Darlene Kinnunen, was born on February 15, 1959 in Watertown, SD. She spent her childhood years growing up in Watertown, Huron, and Sioux Falls, SD. Graduating from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD in 1977. She attended South Dakota State University for two years, and then received her Legal Secretarial degree from Nettleton Business College. Later in life she continued her college education, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, graduating Cum Laude in April 2009. To celebrate her accomplishment, her husband surprised her with a trip to Paris, France.
Michelle always enjoyed music in her life. She played violin and piano when she was young, continued with band and orchestra in high school, and marching band in college.
Michelle married Greg Winker on August 29, 1981. During their marriage, they lived in Denver, Colorado; Minneapolis, Minnesota and Austin, Texas before they finally settled in Seattle, Washington. They shared an interest in the outdoors, hot air ballooning, traveling and sailing. Michelle always maintained an interest in running and finally completed her first full marathon in Austin. In her quiet time, Michelle would read, knit and spend time with her friends and family over a cup of coffee. But what Michelle was most passionate about was raising her two daughters. She participated in their education and as many of their activities as she could find time for. In the process, she created a close and loving family.
Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she continued to stay active, participating in the first annual Puget Sound Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Walk in Bellevue, Washington.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Greg, daughters Gabrielle and Alexandra (all of Issaquah), parents Charles and Darlene Kinnunen (Sioux Falls, SD), sister Pamela (James) Vasgaard (Brookings, SD), father and mother-in-law Jim and Marlene Winker (Sioux Falls, SD), and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Michelle’s name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org
