Arnold Gerhard Gesell

Arnold Gerhard Gesell

Arnold Gerhard Gesell, 82, passed away April 5^th, 2016 in Everett, Washington. Arnold was born on November 20, 1933 to Adolph and Elsa Gesell in Whitemouth, Manitoba, Canada. Arnold grew up on a farm outside of Whitemouth. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Oldenburg, Manitoba.

In 1952, he met the love of his life, Margaret Gesell and they married on September 1, 1956, at The Church of the Cross in Winnipeg.

He attended the University of Manitoba and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1957.

The couple then started a journey west to finally settle in Seattle, Washington, USA, when Arnold took a position with the Boeing Company in 1958. They raised their family of three children: Gregory, Brent, and Lisa, in Bellevue, Washington and attended Cross of Christ Lutheran Church.

Arnold was very active in his children’s upbringing and family life. Arnold was instrumental in the start of youth soccer in the Bellevue area. He coached several soccer teams including the Bellewood Bombers, the Lake Hills Cougars, and also the Interlake High School intramural team. He was also a founder and leader of Boy Scout Troop 673 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. Arnold also loved spending time with his grandchildren, Derrick and Stacie. He would go to every one of their events, including all their soccer games to root them on.

Arnold had a long career at The Boeing Company where he became an Associate Technical Fellow. He was a flight deck design engineer and worked on all commercial model airplanes that Boeing produced from 1958 to 1998. He retired in 1998, after a 40 year career.

Arnold and Marge loved to travel back to Canada and also down to California to visit family. Family was an important element of life to the couple. Arnold enjoyed family history and was the creator and keeper for the Gesell Family History Book, and also had a major part in Margaret’s Zech Family History Book. He attended many family reunions, as well as other major family events. He especially loved to drive on cross country trips, to Winnipeg, Yellowstone, California, Illinois and more. Other major family adventures included trips to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Disneyworld, Alaska, New England, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Arnold always had a smile, and a story to share. He welcomed everyone and was one of the kindest and most genuine souls. He always had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. He was passionate about woodworking, making furniture, and also wine making. He also loved to sing, and sang in the Choir at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church.

Arnold was preceded in death by Margaret, his wife of 58 years; his parents Adolf and Elsa; and by his daughter Lisa. He is survived by his sons Gregory (Therese) and Brent (Scott); and grandchildren Derrick and Stacie. He is also survived by his brother Erwin Gesell (Joyce) and brother-in-law Fred Oswald; sister-in-law Mardie Zech; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the congregation of Cross of Christ Lutheran for always keeping their arms open and their love to Arnold and his family.

We grieve his loss but we thank God for his life and his love for others. We rejoice that he is at peace in the company of his family and in the love of the Lord. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on April 30^th, 2016 at 3:00pm at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 411 156th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98007.