Obituaries
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.
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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
Johanna Land Reedy
Johanna with Judith and Skip; passport photo 1946, before shipping off to Yap
After living a full life of 90 years, Johanna Land Reedy died in Redmond, WA on May 11, 2010. Johanna was born on November 21, 1919 in Evansville, Indiana to John Frederick Land and Elsa M. Niednagel.
Easter in Carmi, 1957 (Judith, John, Johanna and Skip)
At the age of four, Johanna’s mother died and she was then lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, Henry and Minnie Land in Omaha, Illinois.
On September 3, 1938, Johanna married Howard M. Reedy in Carmi, Illinois where they raised their three children, Judith Ann, Skip and John C. Reedy. Moving to Ventura, California in 1958, the family started their West Coast life. Johanna worked several years as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools, Ventura County.
Christmas dinner, Cascade Plaza 2008 (Judith, John, Johanna and Skip)
A few years after her husband Howard died in 1966, Johanna moved to the state of Washington to be near her daughter Judith and her three grandsons, David, John and Mark Peden.
Johanna loved to walk every day (with Skip in Redmond, 2007)
Johanna waves goodbye
Johanna is survived by her daughter, two sons, four grandsons and three great grandchildren.
Family and friends remember Johanna as a very independent person who was especially nurturing and caring, while enriching the lives of whomever she met. She was active in the Methodist Church wherever her travels took her.
Harold Andrew Vogel
Harold Andrew Vogel, died in peace on May 11, 2010 at age 88, in the presence of his family. Hal was born on October 23, 1921 at Woodford, Wisconsin, the son of Adolph Ernest and Nina Lois Olson Vogel. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his dear wife of 55 years, Annette Bernadette Mayer Vogel.
As a young boy, Hal developed a lifelong interest in collecting butterflies, rocks, and stamps. He graduated from Monroe High School, Monroe, Wisconsin in 1939 and attended Blackburn College, Carlinville, Illinois in 1940 & 1941.
When World War II erupted, Hal joined the Aviation Cadets of the Army Air Corp and went through their arduous training programs where he earned his 2nd Lieutenant Wings and became a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot. He and his crew flew to England where he completed 35 bombing missions over Germany and Northern Europe. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals but especially valued his “Lucky Bastard Certificate”, given by his squadron commander for successfully completing his required 35 missions. Hal maintained a diary of his war experiences, “Briefing at Three” which can be viewed on the Distinguished Flying Cross Society- Northwest Chapter’s site, http://www.dfcsociety-nw.org/pages/storiesbymembers.htm After obtaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant, and completion of his tour of duty, he was returned to Santa Ana, California for reassignment.
In Santa Ana he met, and 30 days later, married the beautiful Annette Bernadette Mayer from Detroit, Michigan. Hal and Ann were transferred from Santa Anna to Sebring, Florida, and then to Moultrie, Georgia. When news reached Hal of the end of the European war, he immediately requested and was granted a discharge from the service. Ann and Hal then went to Detroit to visit Ann’s folks, and while there, Hal was offered and accepted a job with the No-Sag Spring Company, manufacturers of sinuous and coil furniture springs. Hal worked for No-Sag for 26 years in many capacities, including Research and Development, Regional Manager of Manufacturing, and as Canadian General Manager for 10 years.
In 1962, He was transferred and moved his family to Seattle, Washington and became Regional Plant Manager of their Seattle and Portland manufacturing plants. Eight years later, he was again transferred back to Detroit. In 1975, longing for the beautiful northwest, he resigned from No-Sag and they returned to their home in Bellevue. Hal then went to work for CAM Industries in Kent until his retirement in 1987.
After retirement, Hal had the opportunity to pursue in earnest his many hobbies which included fishing, hunting, rock hounding, woodworking, bird and character carving, jewelry silversmithing, genealogy, and rabid stamp collecting. He especially enjoyed many years of camaraderie with his wood carver group at the Renton Senior Center. Hal, a true gentleman in every sense, was greatly respected and admired for his benevolent nature and his many talents and skills by all who knew him.
Hal is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Mae McGregor of Freeport, Illinois and Lucille Rose Brown of Independence, Missouri, and his children, Patricia A. (William) Simmons of Bellevue and Robert H. (Elke) Vogel of Midland Michigan. Grandchildren include; Michael Wright, Colette (Mark) Hicks, Michelle (Arnold) Ewert, and Michael Simmons, and seven great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Group Health Foundation at http://www.ghc.org/foundation
Joseph Dowell
Joseph “Joe” Dowell, age 61, of Newcastle, Washington passed away May 12, 2010. He was born in Seattle, Washington on June 13, 1948.
Joe retired from Boeing in 2007 with 39 years of service and had a long list of things to do and see as well as start a second career. In June 2008 Joe graduated from the Chapman School of Seamanship. Dowell Marine Surveying was launched in August 2008 and was cut short when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Joe was a man of many interests and was always up for a golf game, road trip on his Harley, a drive in his Shelby GT500 Mustang, or a sunny day on the water in his boat. He loved to spend time with friends and family and always had them laughing at his many one-liners.
Joe accomplished many things in his short 61 years, but our greatest loss is not in the significance of these accomplishments, but rather in the content of his character. Joe was a kind and passionate individual who believed in living life to the fullest and treating everyone he met with the greatest respect. He loved to add humor to every occasion and felt great when he made you smile.
Joe was a remarkable man with a strong will and kind heart. Joe’s passing was far, far too soon. We are, nevertheless, grateful to have had him in our lives and we will cherish the memory of this wonderful son, son-in law, brother, husband, father, and friend.
Joe is survived by this wife: Mary, Daughter: Kelly, Brothers: Larry and Eddie(Vicky), Sister: Terry(Brad) as well as numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. There will be a private family graveside service at Holyrood Cemetery and a Celebration of Life at Maplewood Golf Course at Noon May 21, 2010.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the ‘Amazing Joe’ Team care of the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk at www.braincancerwalk.org.
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming—WOW—What a Ride!”
Brian Lee Ellerby
Brian Lee Ellerby, 67, passed away on April 29, 2010 in Seattle, Washington with his wife Mary, son Don and sister JoAnn at his side. Brian was born on September 1, 1942 to Don and Jonette Ellerby. Brian and Mary were married on March 18, 1967 and three years later their only child Don was born. From an early age Brian was an avid model railroader. In 1977 he transformed his hobby into a career by starting his own business Evergreen Scale Models. Model railroading was a life long passion of Brian’s. The basement of every house he lived in was quickly converted into a layout and the journey of designing and building the layout, with his friends, was more important than finishing it; see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rycEkd8RBE0.
Brian is survived by his wife Mary, son Don (Mairead Stackpoole), grandchildren Ronan, Liam and Cara, father Don, sister JoAnn (Brian Eells), other relatives and friends. A reception at the family home is on May 22 from 1 to 4 pm.
Make donations in Brian’s memory to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at http://www.seattlecca.org/support-scca.cfm.
John Bryson Tripp
John Bryson Tripp died at the age of 53, on Thursday, May 6, 2010 after a 3 year battle with cancer. He died as he lived; with faith in Jesus Christ and patience with humility in all that he faced. John will be long remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend. He was married to Terry for 29 years, in which they raised 3 children: Bryson, 25; Marta, 23; and Emily, 20. Hiking, biking and sailing were there family hobbies and vacations together. John was a musician, playing the trombone, guitar and piano with skill and passion. He loved leading worship at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue.
John was a teacher in the Lake Washington School District for 24 years. First at Redmond Jr. High and then Eastlake High School; teaching the sciences was a passion as well, but more than the actual instruction, John loved to encourage students in life lessons that would serve them into adulthood. By the time of his death, there were more than 1700 members to a Facebook page entitled, “Prayers for Mr. Tripp”‘; started by a student at EHS. John was raised in Bellevue; graduating from Newport High in 1974 and earning a double degree in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the U.W. in 1979. He briefly worked for the engineering company, KPFF in Seattle, upon his college graduation, but soon felt the pull to education and investing his life in young people. He earned a Master of Education from SPU in 1990. For the last 3 years, John’s journey has been chronicled on a Caring Bridge site on-line. His tenacity, commitment, loving and kind spirit, as well as an enduring legacy of living the truths he believed in are expressed for the over 23,000 times people logged on to read his story.
John is survived by his mother, Helen Tripp, and his two sisters, Janie Palmer and Cathy Young, as well as two nephews and a niece. There are brother and sister-in-laws and many nephews and nieces on Terry’s side, who called him brother and uncle with respect and love throughout their marriage. Terry and the kids are especially grateful to all the support and love they have received throughout this difficult journey – you all will be remembered for your faithful prayers and expressed love for their beloved John.
A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue on Saturday, May 15th, at 2 pm.
Joanne Harpel
Joanne Marie (Conners, Buckner) Harpel
Joanne Harpel, of Redmond, WA., beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away on Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 after a 16 month battle with lung cancer. She was at home, in her own bed, with family by her side and passed away peacefully.
Joanne was born in Seattle, WA. on December 26th, 1945, to Joseph and Dorothy Conners. She graduated from Rainier Beach High School in 1964.
Her first job was as an elevator operator at McDougals Department Store in downtown Seattle, and all through her life, she looked back at that job as her favorite of all her jobs.
Joanne also worked at Vince’s Italian Restaurant, Airborne Freight, ADP, Consilium, and in 2006 she retired from Emil’s Concrete Construction, where she always felt like she was a part of the family and loved everyone there.
Following High School, Joanne married Dave Buckner, and had two daughters, Lisa and Jennifer. As a lot of young marriages go, this one didn’t work out and she and Dave divorced.
She married Gary Harpel in 1976, and after five years, this marriage too ended. However, on July 13th, 1985, Joanne’s and Gary’s paths crossed and the old flame was instantly rekindled and they were remarried on 8/8/88, at the home they purchased together in Redmond. This time the marriage worked and they remained together, in that same home, until her death.
Joanne loved to travel and enjoyed their trips to Maui, the Caribbean, Mexico, Washington DC, Arizona, as well as the many road trips to destinations around Washington, Oregon, and Canada.
Joanne’s favorite loves of all, were her granddaughters. Jennifer’s two girls Isabella and Madeline, and Lisa’s daughter Lily. She enjoyed every minute she ever spent with them, and they enjoyed her as well.
Joanne was preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister Arlene Ryndak. She is survived by her husband Gary, her brother David, daughters Lisa (Rob) Kerr, and Jennifer (Sid) Taylor, stepsons Shane and Travis, and granddaughters Lily, Isabella, Madeline, and Carmen.
Joanne was a beautiful lady and was loved by everyone that knew her. We will miss her dearly.
Donations in memory of Joanne may be made to Cascade Cancer Center Foundation, 12303 NE 130th Lane, Suite 120, Kirkland, WA, 98034.
