Here’s the remembrance being shared for Ginny Sundberg, who lived in West Seattle for many years:

Virginia May (Freeman) Sundberg, 94 beautiful years old, went peacefully home into the presence of God on March 11, 2020 at her home in Regency on Whidbey (Assisted Living Facility) in Oak Harbor, Washington.

Virginia (Ginny) was born in Mount Vernon, Washington, on October 16, 1925 to Edward Maurice Freeman and Stella Marguerite (Jenkins) Freeman. Her early years were spent in Mount Vernon, where she attended Ridgeway Grade School and later graduated from Mount Vernon High School.

After high school, Ginny moved to Seattle, where she attended Wilson’s Modern Business College, and went to work for Seattle Transit. During this time she worked as a maid/housekeeper to earn her room and board. At a point in her life Ginny considered absolutely critical, she moved into the home of a fellow transit worker, Sylvia (Berg) Severiede.

The Bergs attended the Norwegian Danish Methodist Episcopal Church (Central Methodist) at Boren and Stewart in Seattle. On her very first Sunday attending church with the Bergs, Ginny met Roy Sundberg, another pivotal event in her life. Virginia gave her life to Christ at a Youth For Christ meeting in Anacortes in 1945 where she played the piano for the trio Roy sang in. This lifelong commitment to Jesus shaped Virginia’s entire life. Roy and Virginia were married on October 18th, 1946 and they spent the next 67 years together, raising their family and enjoying God’s many blessings. Ginny thoroughly enjoyed and thrived being a stay-at-home mom. Her life was centered on her home, family, and church.

Ginny (Virginia) was preceded in death by her loving husband Roy. She is survived by her son Gary Sundberg (Kerry Heavey) of Bend, Oregon; son Terry Sundberg (Kathy Olund) of Winlock, Washington; and daughter
Merrie Burley (Mark Burley) of Coupeville, Washington. She enjoyed and treasured every one of her 7 grandchildren and their spouses, as well as her 15 great-grandchildren and her large extended family.

Services will be held for Virginia on Monday, March 16th, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor with a reception to follow. Her family is so very grateful for the loving care “Miss Ginny” received from her Regency on Whidbey (Assisted Living Facility) “family” and the exceptional terminal care provided by Hospice of Island County, as well as her care at Whidbey Health. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Funeral arrangements made through Wallin Funeral Home.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

A full-honors memorial service is planned at 1 pm March 26th at West Side Presbyterian Church for Seattle Fire Lt. Jay G. Wheeler, whose last assignment was at North Admiral’s Station 29. That’s according to , according to the obituary published for Lt. Wheeler. His recent passing was noted on the SFD Firelines website as follows:

On Tuesday, March 4, 2020, members of the Seattle Fire Department family were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of their own, Lieutenant Jay Garth Wheeler, after a long and difficult battle with an illness.

Jay faced his battle with great courage and without complaint, surrounded by his wife, children, parents and so many others who loved and cared deeply for him. Many from his fire department family spent time with Jay and his family during his last days.

Lt. Wheeler was committed to the Seattle community. He first served as an officer with the Seattle Police Department at the South Precinct in 1989 before joining the Seattle Fire Department in April, 1997. Throughout his fire service career, he served on Ladders 5, 7, 9 and 11 and Engines 36 and 38. On June 28, 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was working on Engine 29 in West Seattle. He also volunteered as a scuba diver for the Seattle Aquarium.

Here are two small examples of Jay’s exemplary service:

On August 19, 1998, while off-duty, then-Firefighter Wheeler was the first on the scene of a rollover motor vehicle accident. After ensuring the safety of bystanders, he stabilized the rolled over car, coordinating ropes to anchor points on the uphill side. He then initiated emergency medical care to the single patient trapped inside the care until the arrival of SFD units. In the words of then-Capt. Michael E. Walsh, he “acted in the finest of Seattle Fire Department tradition.”

In 2006, while serving in the Fire Alarm Center, Firefighter Wheeler received a letter of commendation for directing the delivery of a baby by the first-time father over the phone. His steady-handed questions and sure responses put both parents at ease and allowed them to focus on things that needed to be done. The baby was found wrapped in a towel as instructed when Engine 39 and the medics arrived a few minutes later. In their thank you letter, the parents acknowledged Jay’s efforts and “all the life-savers at Seattle’s 911. You helped bring a precious gift of life into our lives. We will be forever grateful.”

In a letter to all SFD members, Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins commended Lt. Wheeler for his contributions to public service and as a long-time valued member of the Seattle Fire Department.

Lt. Wheeler’s obituary says he was 57 years old and adds, “The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, a hazard linked to many years of exposure to fire fighting.”

March 16th is when family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Morgan Herzog, The Beer Junction‘s founder, whose passing was reported here last month. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing with the community:

Morgan Herzog died peacefully at his West Seattle home on January 30, 2020 from Multiple Myeloma.

Born on May 29, 1981, Morgan was the youngest son of Rick and Diane Herzog. He attended King’s Elementary, Lake Forest Park Elementary, Kellogg Middle School, and graduated from Shorecrest High School in 2000. In high school, Morgan worked as a landscaper and saved to buy a truck to start his own landscaping business, which he continued while he attended college at the University of Washington.

Morgan graduated from UW with a BA in Business in 2004 and a Masters of Accounting in 2005. After graduating college, he moved to West Seattle, where his father and his aunt had been raised and where he had fond memories of visiting as a child. He began his career working at the accounting firm KPMG and earned his CPA license in 2009. At KPMG, Morgan would meet some of his closest friends and fall in love with his future wife, Allison. He was known for his sense of fun and the parties that he would throw on his deck near Alki. His time at the firm furthered his analytical thinking and patient leadership style, and he had deep respect for the partners and managers who mentored him.

After five years at KPMG, he continued to think back at the fulfillment he had running his own landscaping business. After a January day sampling beer at the Porterhouse in West Seattle with Allison, he thought about how there wasn’t a place to buy packaged craft beer in his neighborhood. By the end of March, he had signed a lease for a storefront, and on July 3, 2010, he opened The Beer Junction at its original location. For the first year, he ran the store largely by himself. He worked long hours and took a risk, combining his love for beer with his desire to run his own business, and he made his dream come true. Morgan would continue to grow The Beer Junction, moving to a larger location and adding draft beer in 2012. He treasured the friendships he developed in the Seattle beer community and the West Seattle community as a whole.

Morgan was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2017. He underwent treatments on and off since his diagnosis, but he wanted to continue his life as normal as possible. In late January, Morgan’s prognosis suddenly became grave. He took great comfort in the company of his loving family, and in being able to return to the home which he loved one final time. Allison and his brother, Nate, were there by his side at the moment he left us.

Morgan will be remembered for his sense of humor and endless knowledge of Seinfeld trivia, his laugh, his work ethic, and his kindness. He loved tennis, traveling, camping, grilling, his deck, 80’s movies, sandwiches and beer. He is loved and missed.

Morgan is preceded in death by his parents, Rick and Diane Herzog, and uncle, Dennis Drain. He is survived by his wife, Allison; brother, Nathan; and aunts and uncles Deborah & Steven Bessette, Dave Drain, Marsha Drain, and Dale & Tina Drain; as well as many cousins.

A celebration of Morgan’s life will be held at West Seattle Christian Church on Monday, March 16 at 4:30 p.m. Remembrances may be given to Fred Hutch for Multiple Myeloma research or Southwest Youth & Family Services.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Friends and family are sharing this remembrance of Mauree McKaen:

Mauree McKaen
November 6, 1946 – February 6, 2020

Mauree McKaen, also known as Mo, left the world she loved on February 6, 2020. Behind her, she leaves a blazing path of beauty and memories that are etched on the hearts of friends, family, and even strangers who met her just once. She was an energy to contend with, a sister, a mentor, a guide, and a friend, with a sense of humor that made everyone laugh, even the doctors who diagnosed her terminal cancer and worked to keep her pain-free in her final days. She wasn’t just one in a million, she was one of kind.

Mauree was born in Pinckney, Michigan and received her MSW from the University of Michigan. As Executive Director of Family Group Homes for Youth in Ann Arbor, she helped create positive living environments for young people from troubled families. After moving to Seattle in her early thirties, Mauree pursued her J.D. from the University of Puget Sound. Rather than practice law as a full-time occupation, she started her own consulting company, Leadership Unlimited, through which she helped organizations change their cultures and mentored leaders to become more conscious of their impact on others. Mauree also served a term on the Seattle Ethics Committee, among other community roles.

They say a dog is “man’s best friend.” Well, Mauree was every dog’s best friend. She couldn’t walk down her own street, or pass a puppy in a foreign country without engaging in a deep conversation with the furry creature, who would often, then, much to the chagrin of its owner, try to follow her home. This passion led her to start a dog care business upon retirement.

As the most determined and steadfast patron the Goodwill has ever known, Mauree was a shrewd shopper. She could find a brand new, never been worn, Ralph Lauren jacket in a bin of hidden clothes no one else bothered to look through and walk out looking like a million bucks. Other’s tried, but never quite had her eye for quality at a great price.

She was the champion of animals, children, the elderly, or anyone down on their luck. While she was a woman of modest means, she gave generously to those in need.

She loved politics, but despised most politicians. As an avid consumer of political news, from local to international, she would engage with anyone willing, seeking to share the imperative of a saner, kinder, more just world.

Mauree was an adventurer and traveled widely during her life, both across this country and abroad, hiking parts of the El Camino trail during her last three years on Earth. Her joy in discovering new cultures and finding new friends made her youthful into her seventies, and she had a knack for entertaining everyone on her path with her infectious laugh and stories of her travels—even if it was only to the grocery store.

Mauree’s greatest gift was her ability to love people as they are, to inspire them to live into their own greatness, to believe in the human spirit, to look for the best in everyone regardless of their past or their station in life—to cherish the beautiful, to care for the broken, to model what it means to be an extraordinary human.

She was a shining star who illumined, inspired, and guided others to lead lives as joy-filled and giving as hers. Her infectious laughter, curiosity, and belief in the possible nourished and guided us all. Through her example she showed us who we could be, how we could give, and what a well-lived life was.

In lieu of flowers, her friends and family ask that people honor her legacy by taking action to make the world a better place, to act with greater kindness, to alleviate someone’s suffering, to make a difference in the life of another in some small or great way every day.

Among those who will miss her most are her two dearest and longest friends, Laurie McDonald Jonsson and Carol E. Anderson, her treasured mentee turned true confidant, Julie Mierswiak, her nature-loving soul sister, Archer, and her big-hearted, dog-loving neighbor circle, Susan Hurst, Kindree Brownbridge, Dave Grieve, and Mary Slowinski, her sister Mary Jo Nichols, her brother Kevin McMacken, and her beloved Ridgeback dog, Caleb,

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather this Saturday to remember Jana L. Layman. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

Jana Lee Layman passed unexpectedly at 41 on January 13, 2020.

She was born on September 22, 1978 in Seattle, attended Alki Elementary, West Seattle High School (1997 grad), and Northwest College of Art (Poulsbo, 2001 grad) with a BFA. She was full of joy, adventure, and fun-loving. Her family, faith, and love of nature (especially the Puget Sound beach) was the focus of her vibrant, colorful artwork – ceramic, oil painting, watercolor, etc.

Among many jobs, she was an art teacher at Shorewood Christian School, a teacher at Salvation Army, Pottery instructor at the Alki Bathhouse, and a Nanny. Hobbies included synchronized swimming, family road trips to National Parks, and singing on the worship team at church. Two mission trips to Mexico with West Side Presbyterian Church Youth influenced her faith greatly.

She was loving, accepting of everyone, and a friend to all. Her faith in God lifted her through many health problems and hardships; she genuinely valued her many friend and was committed to their lives. She is survived by her beloved young children, Serena (10) and Joshua (9), who were the center of her life, and her mother Linda A. Layman, brother Adam G. Layman, and grandmother Lois Snyder, and many other close family members and dear friends, including Jonathan. She was both an organ donor recipient and an organ donor.

The memorial service will be held at Trinity Church, 7551 35th Ave SW, on Saturday, February 1, at noon. In lieu of flowers, and if you wish, a donation may be made at hls.hopeseattle.org/support-for-ablin-family/

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather Wednesday to remember Phyllis Jean Emmick. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:

PHYLLIS JEAN (ROUSH) EMMICK, 1930-2020

Beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Phyllis Jean (Roush) Emmick passed away after a stroke on January 1st, 2020.

Phyllis was born in Atwater, Minnesota on Wednesday, March 26th, 1930 to Floyd Laverne Roush & Edith Clara (O’Hair) Roush. During WWII, the family sold the farm in Minnesota and moved to Prosser, WA. After a few years in Prosser, the Roushes moved to Burien, WA.

Phyllis met a young sailor, Franklin Robert “Bud” Emmick, through her Uncle Chet, who also served with Frank on the USS Pennsylvania. In 1947, Frank & Phyllis were married at her parents’ home in Burien. In 1948, their first son, Gary Lynn Emmick, was born. In 1953, their second son, Craig Alan Emmick, was born. Phyllis was proud of her job as a Unit Secretary at Providence Hospital in Seattle (5-South). During their retirement, they traveled extensively to Roush Family Reunions, USS ‘Pennsy’ Reunions while visiting many states, friends & family.

Phyllis was proud to live independently until the end. In 2010, her beloved Frank passed away. Frank was buried at Tahoma National Cemetery. Phyllis will be interred with him.

Phyllis is survived by her son Craig (Gayle), grandchildren Robert, Brian, Terry, Floyd, Matthew, & Michael (Desirée). Also survived by great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; brothers Wayne (Ellie) and Jim (Doris). Preceded in death by her parents Floyd & Edith, brother Dwight Roush, and son Gary Emmick. Phyllis loved her many family & friends in New York and Minnesota and her many caregivers.

Remembrances suggested to a charity of your choice.

Viewing will be Wednesday, Jan. 15th 2020 from 10 am to 12 pm at Cady Chapel (8418 S. 222nd St., Kent). Graveside Service immediately following at 1:15 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery – Kent

Share your condolences & memories of Phyllis with our Family & Friends by visiting her memorial page at EmmickFunerals.com/notices/Phyllis-Emmick

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

The family of Dorothy Louise (Johns) Nute is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Dorothy was born to Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Emil & Ellen (Olson) Johns on July 10, 1919 in Seattle, Washington.

She lived her whole 100 years in West Seattle where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jack, at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Dorothy graduated with West Seattle High School’s Class of 1938. After graduating, she worked at Sears Roebuck & Company during the “Mail Order” days, and retired in 1981.

In 1940, she married the love of her life, “Jack” Nute. Dorothy & Jack were happily married for 45 wonderful years, until he preceded her in death in 1986. She is survived by their daughter, Ginny, and their sons, Bob, Bill, & John.

Dorothy also leaves her grandchildren, Michelle, Michael, Heather, and several Step-Grandchildren; her great-grandchildren, Valery, Shelby, Mitchell, & Odessa; her nieces, Sue, Sally, & Diane; and many dear Family members & Friends to cherish her loving memory.

Selfless to a fault, Dorothy took care of her invalid Mother before her passing, as well as her Husband, who was later disabled by a stroke.

Everyone who knew Dorothy knew that she always put the well-being of others before her own. For that reason and countless more, she will always have a very special place in our hearts.

A Private Gathering in her honor was held on Saturday, January 4th, 2020.

Share your condolences & memories of Dorothy with Family & Friends for generations to come by visiting her online memorial page at www.EmmickFunerals.com/notices/Dorothy-Nute

Care & Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

The family of Wes P. Jensen is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Wes passed December 8, 2019 at Homecomings, his adult family home in West Seattle, at the age of 101.

Wes was born in Hedgesville, Montana in 1918 to Hans Christian and Esther Jensen. He was raised in Medina, WA, and graduated from Garfield High in 1937. Wes got a job at ADT, which served him well during WW2 while serving in the Army, stationed in Australia and New Guinea, often working as an electrician. After returning to the states, he met and married Helen Lausten. They started their life in Medina, then moved to West Seattle in 1950 to raise three children, all while continuing his career with ADT. Wes was a hard worker and always helping others. He was dedicated to Scouting and the Burien Elk. An avid golfer, he was very proud of his hole-in-one while in his 80s. He was fortunate to have not one but four loving families. The last of which were his tremendous caregivers at Homecomings AFH in West Seattle. He will truly be missed and loved forever by everyone who knew him.

Wes was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen, brothers Nathan Jensen and Carl Jensen, and sisters Lois Rounds and Anna Petry. He is survived by sisters Ellie Coleman and Mary Lou Howard, daughter Virginia Cooper (Tom), sons Tom (Charlaine) and Chuck (Laura), six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as the Childs and Hellstrom families, and Homecomings AFH.

Wes’ claim to fame was that he was a passenger on the airplane hijacked by D.B. Cooper in 1971. The best part of that story, for him, was that he was pretty much oblivious to the drama while it was happening and afterward resented all the fuss made over it. But such was Wes, unflappable and selfless. He was a man who lived his life well, a model of kindness, decency, and great humor that inspired all around him, and always will.

At his request there will be no funeral services.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

The family of James N. Creighton is sharing this remembrance with the community:

James Nelson Creighton, passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2019 in West Seattle, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born Oct. 1, 1939 to James and Thelma Creighton in Wadena, Minn., Jim (or “Jamie”) moved with his parents and younger brother, Stuart, to Seattle in 1942. He attended Fauntleroy Elementary, Denny Middle and graduated from West Seattle High School. It was there, in history class, where he met his future wife of 57 years, Diane Finch.

Jim played guard for West Seattle HS, and was talented enough to play football at the collegiate level: first for Everett Community College (All-Coast Conference and All-American Small College), then for the University of Puget Sound, where he also was an assistant coach for one year. He was recruited to play for the Chicago Bears.

Jim graduated from UPS in 1962 with a BA in history and education and became a public school teacher. He completed graduate work in U.S. history, philosophy and constitutional law at the UW, Seattle U., Central and Northwestern University. Jim taught history and coached football, track and basketball first at Grand Coulee, then at Luther Burbank, Ballard and Cleveland High. In 1973, he moved to Seattle’s Garfield High, where he taught and coached for 31 years.

There, he served as Garfield’s history department chair for 15 years, developing the Advanced Placement programs in U.S. history, European history, and American Government and Politics. He was an advisor to the College Board on AP History; his AP study guides were widely used by teachers here and nationwide. Jim was also Garfield’s head football and soccer coach, taking his teams to multiple playoffs and state championships. He concluded his teaching career at Newport High in Bellevue in 2006.

Jim was a member of Kappa Sigma at UPS and a proud member of the Big W Club at West Seattle High. He enjoyed reading, sailing, watching movie all things history and watching football (especially the Huskies).

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane (Finch) Creighton; his daughters, Jocelyn (Chris) McCabe and Jennifer Creighton; and grandson Ryan McCabe. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Thelma Creighton, and his brother, Stuart Creighton.

It is impossible to capture the number of lives Jim impacted as a teacher, mentor, coach, and friend. However, we know all that he did for us as a father and husband, and for that, we are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation or Medic One. Special thanks also to the care team at Providence Mount St. Vincent.

(UPDATE) Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of Jim Creighton on Saturday, March 7 from 1-3 p.m. at Salty’s on Alki. Please RSVP to 360.870.8708 or jmccabe34@hotmail.com to be added to the list of attendees..

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather Friday to remember John J. Musso, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

John J. Musso was born on March 23, 1919, in San Pablo, California and passed away on November 27, 2019 in Seattle at the age of 100.

John was the fifth child of Stefano and Dominica Musso. He grew up on a ranch in Richmond, California with his seven siblings, and moved to Seattle at the age of 18 to work for his cousin at the Oberto Sausage Company. He was the company’s third employee. Johnny worked there doing a variety of jobs: from hand tying salami and sausage, to becoming the plant manager.

He served in World War II as a gun crewman in heavy artillery and was honorably discharged. After the war, he returned to Seattle to work for Oberto Sausage Company, where he eventually retired at the age of 92. He met his wife of 51 years, Fay Campagnaro Musso, in West Seattle and married her on January 7, 1950. He was a beloved father to their three children: Gina, Lisa, and Donald Musso. Johnny loved his family above all else and supported them in every way. He, Fay, and their cousins Art and Dorothy Oberto began the annual Oberto Family Reunion 50 years ago to bring the family together and celebrate another year.

Johnny also loved playing and watching sports. Although he enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in everything they did, he especially enjoyed rooting for them as an avid fan at their sporting events. He was a fixture at every meet, match, and game in which they participated.

He is survived by his three children, Gina Musso (Joe James), Lisa Musso McCluskey (the late Brian McCluskey), and Donald Musso; his six grandchildren, Micole Wyman (Kelly), Cia Nipper (Brandon), Nicholas McCluskey (Lee), Bianca, Vincent, and Anthony McCluskey; his great-granddaughter, Scarlett Wyman; and his sisters, Bette Piatanida and Emma Arrington.

He was preceded in death, by his wife, Fay; his brothers, Dominic (Marta) and Steve (Helene) Musso; his sisters, Lucy (John) Giacoletto, Lena Brown, and Marie Hilbauch; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Mario (Betty), and Aldo (Ida) Campagnaro and brother in laws Ambrose Piatanida and Royal Arrington.

A rosary service will be held at Holy Rosary Church at 10:15 AM on Friday, December 6, 2019, with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Kennedy Catholic High School c/o the Development Office: 140 S. 140th St .Burien, WA 98168 or online at: https://www.kennedyhs.org/support-us/donate-today

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

As noted in the WSB Forums, the West Seattle community has lost a longtime member who was also a longtime participant in WSB’s online community. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:

She has had so many close calls, it is almost shocking to announce that our friend and neighbor Janet Elizabeth Frantz Seeley (known as JanS in comments and the forum), passed away on November 13, 2019.

Born in Danville, Virginia in 1947 to Dean and Anne Frantz, her family soon moved to Reading, PA where she grew up. As a young woman, she joined the Women’s Army Corps and served from 1973-1975. She left the Corps to start family life in West Seattle in 1976. She was free-spirited and incredibly hip – a fierce feminist who spoke her mind.

Jan became a mother to Jess Pearson (Seeley) in 1980 and from then on out, her daughter was her life. She shared her values of authenticity, respect, and independence.

Jan and Jess maintained a close relationship. Despite health challenges, she was a doting mother and loving grandmother to her grandson Ollie.

While she would have loved to be a full-time mom, relationship changes required her to find a way to support herself and her daughter. She started a massage practice in 1994. Her time working in the Army’s photo lab set her up to be an early adopter of technology. When she started her massage business she set up a website to advertise right away. She maintained her massage business until 2017.

She had a great sense of humor, loved poetry and delighted in beauty. She was a person of quick-wit, keen observations, and directness. Jan’s unique ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude, show compassion, and relate to others was a gift to her family and friends. Those in power did not receive such grace – she shared strong opinions about injustice and corruption with passion.

Jan held dearly to life despite the many challenges life threw at her. Jan fought and survived serious health problems for the last 25 years – full of spirit and hope. It is with sadness we say goodbye and hope that her strong spirit can rest in peace and comfort.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Carole Jones (Frantz). She is survived by her daughter Jess and grandson Ollie, and nieces and nephews Joshua, Thomas, Robin, and Alana.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, which would have been her 73rd birthday. Further details to follow closer to the day. Please email her daughter Jess at mlle.audreyhorne@gmail.com to be added to the list of invitees.

Poem:

If you hanker for
a zenith of felicity
on the bed of the Divine
begin by dusting off
the wings of wonder
on your local pillow
Lift your ineffable
out of the mundane
Aim for airborne
with the eye of the heart
as your sky pilot
and soar to glory
~ James Broughton ~

(Little Sermons of the Big Joy)

Family and friends will gather December 9th to remember Elizabeth J. “Betty” Novotny. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing with the community:

Elizabeth J. Novotny
Feb. 24, 1914 – Nov. 26, 2019

Betty passed away just 3 months short of her 106th birthday.

She was born in Chicago and lived in that area until she retired and moved to the Northwest. She lived in West Seattle for 43 years. She is preceded in death by her son Bob Seger and husband Joe Novotny. She is survived by her daughter Penny Mulligan, 8 grandchildren, a bunch of great-grandkids, and several great-great-grandkids.

She and Joe loved to camp and travel and she could paint a mean mountain scene. She was loved by all and will be missed by all. Special thanks go to the Daystar care givers who took such good care of her for 5+ years.

Funeral service will be December 9th, 11:00 am, at the Yarington Funeral Home.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather December 21st for Jake Rebar‘s memorial. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with his community:

John V. “Call me Jake” Rebar

West Seattle lost one of their lifelong staples after 84 years. Jake Rebar went to be with the lord on the morning of November 8th, 2019 after passing from natural causes.

Jake was born October 11, 1935 in Great Falls, MT. He was raised in West Seattle and would always return after his work abroad as an accountant.

He was first and foremost a devout Catholic. He was a great friend to many, including his cherished grade-school friends which he still enjoyed having lunch with once a week. He had a terrific sense of humor and was an eloquent writer as anyone who read his holiday newsletter would know! He always lamented that “work” was just a four-letter word, that he tried it and didn’t like it, yet in retirement he maintained files and checklists as if he was operating a fortune 500 company. Some have even been known to say Jake was a frugal man or as a little birdy may have put it “cheap,” “cheap,” but never with his friends or charitable contributions.

He lived his best life, which afforded him a college degree in accounting from Seattle U, small business ownership with his brother Dick with the Tug Tavern and Jake’s Place, a family, the chance to marry the love of his life, travel, and most of all, friendship. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially every dog in the neighborhoods where he pounded the pavement to whom he offered a friendly pat and a little treat while on his way to church or the Y.

A very special thanks to Jake’s dear friend Tim Law for providing the family several extra months we may not have had without his friendship.

Jake is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Vivian as well as his brothers Jim and Dick and sister Joyce. He is survived by his three sons, Sean (Tracie), James (Katy), and Rich (Jessica) as well as many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Services will be held for Jake at Holy Rosary in West Seattle on Saturday, December 21st, 2019 at 10 a.m. There will be a reception afterward next door at the elementary school.

To share your condolences & fond memories of Jake with his Family & Friends for generations to come, please visit his Online Memorial at: www.emmickfunerals.com/notices/Jake-Rebar

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather November 8th to remember Charlotte J. Dominico. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing with the community:

Charlotte Joan Dominico, born September 19th, 1938, passed away October 19th, 2019 in Seattle. Born in Minnesota and raised in West Seattle. Parents Garrett and Marion Ehlers.

Charlotte married her high-school sweetheart Larry Dominico after they both graduated from West Seattle High School in 1956. They were married for over 40 years before Larry passed away in 1998. Charlotte is survived by her children Larry Dominico, Dina Bittermann (Jim) and Mary Jo Werlech (Mike). Grandchildren Nic,(Karissa) Joseph Bittermann. Larry, Sam Dominico. Danny, Joey, and Michael Werlech. Great granddaughter Kinsley. She has two older brothers, Roland and Darrel Ehlers.

Charlotte fought hard but ultimately lost her battle with lung cancer.

Charlotte worked in the legal field for over 40 years, but what made her the happiest was spending time with her friends and family. She loved being with all her grand boys, cheering them on sporting events and attending anything that had to do with being around and spending time with them. She was so proud of all of her ‘kids.’ She loved to cook for her family and was a spectacular baker. Grandkids always knew where to find the cookies and desserts.

Charlotte will be remembered as a loving Mom, special grandmother, and friend. Her happiness and love will forever live in our hearts.

Donations can be made in her name to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Funeral at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Friday, November 8th at 2 pm. 7000 35th Avenue SW.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

The family of Emily Malgren is sharing this remembrance with the community:

Laura (Emily) Malgren (1928-2019)

Emily Malgren passed on September 21, 2019. She was 90 years old.

Emily was born to Frank and Helen Dorrance in 1928. She grew up in Lower Queen Anne and graduated from Queen Anne High School.

She married Arthur Malgren in 1950. They moved to West Seattle in 1953, where she has lived ever since. They had had four sons, Eric, John, Bill, and Robert. Arthur passed away in 1980.

Emily lived her life as active as she could. Most of her activities had to do with children. She was a PTA officer before her children were old enough to be in school. She was always a room mother, was a den mother for son’s Cub Scout pack, and heavily involved with the PTA.

In her later years she was very active as a volunteer at the West Seattle Senior Center and at her church, St John the Baptist Episcopal Church.

Emily received a degree in education from Seattle University and was a teacher with the Head Start program, teaching at various schools including Horace Mann School and High Point School. She was also a teacher’s aide at Pike Place Market Daycare Center.

She loved children and was a professional in-home child care provider when she retired from the Market Daycare.

She celebrated diversity her whole life. She loved everybody and even if she didn’t know you, you were her friend. Her kind of love makes the world go round.

She is survived by her four sons Eric (Elizabeth), John (Michele), William, and Robert. She has 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Arthur, brother Jack Dorrance, and daughter-in-law Darlene (Bill’s wife)

The world has lost a lot of love in her passing.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather Friday to celebrate the life of Brian A. Willett. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Brian A. Willett, age 43, born April 5, 1976 in Bozeman, MT, died suddenly June 24, 2019 in Seattle.

Brian’s formative years were spent in Montana, where he graduated from Bozeman HS in 1994. His first year of college was spent at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He completed his studies at the University of Oregon, graduating in 1998 with a BA in Political Science. Brian was elected President of the Young Democrats while attending college. He served as an intern for Congressional Representative Ron Wyden, who is now Senator Wyden of Oregon.

Professionally, Brian’s career took hold in the medical field. Employers included Oregon Medical Labs, Harborview Medical Center, Merck, and finally BloodWorks NW (a blood bank in Seattle).

Brian had a lifelong love of travel and of maps. In his childhood, he was a regional champion in the geography bee. While still in grade school, Brian took a round-the-United States trip with his older sister Terry. The trip cemented his love of learning about people and places different than himself. That love led to several European trips as well as countless travels across the United States and Canada.

He had an extraordinary eye for photography and combined this skill with his passion for fine dining. The subsequent Facebook posts are legendary.

Brian’s gentle ability to call people back to their better selves on social media will be sorely missed. Facebook friends remained friends even after Brian let them know (always privately) that they had overstepped boundaries or were making themselves look foolish.

Brian is survived by his mother Bea and father Walt of Billings, MT; two sisters, Terry Wheeler of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Tammy Novakovich of Red Lodge, MT; and a brother, Paul of Billings, MT. Brian is also survived by his partner of five years, David Anderson of Seattle.

A memorial/celebration of life will be held Friday, September 27, 7 PM at Structure Cellars, 3849 1st Ave S, Seattle. Online donations, in lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Brian’s other loves (Blade and Sienna), can be made to the National Basenji Rescue – www.basenjirescue.org.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of Jorge “Mike” Milliron. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:

Jorge Michael Milliron, born January 24, 1958 in Seattle to Raynette and George Milliron.

He preferred to go by Mike, attended Madison Middle School and West Seattle High School. When he was younger, he loved to spend time on Alki Beach and work on cars.

Mike passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2019 after a 3 year battle with Emphysema and COPD.

Mike is survived by his wife Maureen, daughters Ambrosia and Candice, and son-in-law Micheal.

The family is having a memorial service on September 21, 2019 at 11 am; location is Luna Park/Old Anchor on Alki. If you knew Mike, join them in celebrating his life.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather next Saturday (September 21st) to celebrate the life of Henry J. Haba. Here’s the story of how his life unfolded:

Henry Joseph Haba passed away peacefully August 12, 2019 at Providence Mount St. Vincent, where he stayed for the past four months.

Born May 6, 1923, the ninth of 15 children to Martin and Agnes Haba in Carrington, ND. His parents were born in Poland. Survived by daughter, Charlene, West Seattle. Brother, Louis Martin (Lee) and sister, Lorraine Bell (all in California). Also survived by over 40 nieces and nephews, 55+ great and 20+ great, great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife Clara in 2017, son Gene in 2014, his parents, and 12 siblings.

The Haba family migrated to Grandview, WA in 1936. Farming and taking care of the animals started at 4 am. They attended a one-room school house.

Faking his age, Henry joined the US Army in 1940. Corporal Haba spend three years in the jungles of Panama. He then attended Paratrooper School and was sent to Germany. He attended trade school in Yakima to become a carpenter. Henry married Clara Fitterer of Yakima on July 3, 1948. They were five months short of 69 wonderful years of marriage. They traveled by car to Anchorage, AK to work. They moved back to Yakima, where he built a duplex and house. The family moved to Seattle in 1958, where he built a house on Gatewood Hill. In 1962 they moved to AZ. Rented in Phoenix, then built a duplex in Tempe. Moved back to Seattle a year later. Rented an apartment by Green Lake, then purchased the brick Tudor in West Seattle. He then built three more houses before downsizing to a condo.

Henry was a retired 71-year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (LU 30 Renton, previously LU 131 Seattle). He attended monthly meetings and always had some tool to give away to the apprentices. He worked many construction jobs through the years. Working for the Austin Co., SCI and John Sellen Construction. Some projects included Hanford, the Floating Bridge, NW Airlines Flight Kitchen, Tacoma News Tribune, UW Hall Health, Olympic Hotel, Colman Ferry Terminal, and before retiring, the Metro Tunnel.

In 1999, Henry was one of over 200,000 people marching to protest the World Trade Organization in downtown Seattle. His leisure was spent vacationing in the US, Mexico and abroad. He tried his hand at skin diving, Weekends were spent at Vasa Park with the ski boat, ice-skating and snow skiing. He mostly enjoyed his totally equipped workshop (never was a car in the garage)! Some creations were birdhouses, writing pens and carved walking canes.

He was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC and see the war memorials. His guardian for this was Mike Musterman, who became his best friend. All the guys met each morning for coffee, talk, and laughter at the Morgan St. McDonald’s.

Henry was a very practical man who expected you to do the job right. He was very grounded with staying power. Always thought “HIS” jokes were the funniest! You could call him “a collector” of anything and everything. Traveling the alleys and neighborhood wasn’t unusual. Knew a little about a lot of subjects. Read the newspaper from front to back every day.

Thank you to all the people who visited Henry in his last days of a very full life. Also to the care given to him by staff at Mt. St. Vincent.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21 st from 4-7pm at the White Center Eagles. A military funeral be held at a later date at Tahoma Cemetery (Clara’s burial included).

For more information please go to Dignity at this link

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(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather next Saturday to celebrate the life of Mead H. Logan and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Mead Hale Logan
May 20, 1939 – August 8, 2019

Mead, a lifelong West Seattle resident, passed peacefully after a battle with cancer at home on August 8, 2019.

Born to Alfred Mead Logan and Lera Alleda Hale on May 20, 1939, Mead was known as little Meady, or Jr, only because his father disliked his own first name. He attended Jefferson Elementary, Madison Junior High, West Seattle High School, and the University of Washington. He served in the U.S. Army where he was based in Alaska and upon his honorable discharge returned to West Seattle where he met and married his wife of 50 years, Janis.

Janis and Mead raised their family of 3 children in West Seattle and were known for their many parties and patriotically painting their home inside and out in red, white and blue to honor the bicentennial.

Mead spent his career as an appliance repairman, as well as serving as a manufacturer’s rep for industrial machine tools. Throughout his 50+-year career, he repaired many appliances in West Seattle homes.

Janis predeceased Mead in 2017; however, Mead is survived by his 3 children, Kevin, Derek (Pam), Erin (Mike); 5 grandchildren, Nicole, Johanna, Aidan, Alessandre, and Annabel; 2 great-grandchildren, R.J. and Logan.

Please join us for memories and good times as we celebrate Mead on Saturday, August 24th at the American Legion Hall in West Seattle from 11 am – 1 pm. In lieu of flowers Mead would prefer that you spend extra time with your loved ones and friends.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends will gather August 25th to celebrate the life of Dorothy Wright:

Dorothy Gloria Wright passed away at the age of 93 at Harborview Hospital, on July 28, after being struck by a car in a crosswalk at Jefferson Square on July 26.

Dorothy was born at home in Fairdale Township, North Dakota in 1925, the youngest of 6 children. After graduation from Crookston MN High School, she moved to Chicago to live with her oldest sister and family. She worked as a model at Sears. She met her future husband , Everett, who just happened to be her sister’s brother-in-law, at Christmas, while he was on leave from the Army Air Corp. They wrote for 8 months, became engaged on his next leave, and married two days later (technically their 4th date). They were married for 72 years, until his passing in 2016.

In 1956, they left Chicago with their children Wendy and Brad and moved to West Seattle, where several family members had relocated. They lived in their West Seattle house for the rest of their lives.

Dorothy was a homemaker, active in the PTA, Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and bowling leagues. When the kids were out of grade school, she went back to work at Sears on First and Lander in the catalog sales department, until her retirement in 1987.

During their married life, Dorothy and Everett went on 28 cruises (Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.) They loved to dance together at White Center Eagles, play the slots, and meet other travelers.

Mom loved playing Copper Dropper slot machines at the Tulalip and Emerald Queen Casinos, having a rum and coke at 5 pm, her water aerobics class at the West Seattle YMCA, happy hour at Salty’s with her 90+-year-old friends, chicken fingers and fries at the Luna Park Café and her family.

Dorothy leaves behind her daughter, Wendy (Michael) Hobson, son Brad (Colette) Wright, and her grandsons, Aaron & Shawn Hobson and Carson Wright. She also leaves her sister Violet Denison and many nieces and nephews in Seattle and across the USA.

A Celebration of Life party will be held on Sunday, August 25, 1-4 pm at the American Legion Hall at 37th and Alaska in West Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Seattle Family YMCA, 3622 SW Snoqualmie St., Seattle 98126.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Family and friends have said goodbye to Mary V. Andersen. Here’s the remembrance that is being shared with her community:

Mary Virginia Andersen
May 3, 1942- August 1, 2019

Mary Virginia Andersen was born May 3rd, 1942, to Muriel and Donald Powell in Aberdeen, WA. She is survived by one sister, Anne Reed, son Tyler Worley, daughter Kim [Mike] Bartlett and three grandsons, Brian Bartlett, Christopher Worley and Roscoe Worley. She was preceded in death by her son Adam Worley.

Mary attended Beauty School at an early age in Hoquiam, WA. She loved living and working in West Seattle during her entire life. She had many good friends aiding her needs through her long battle with cancer. We will all miss her, but as she phrased, “I will see you on the other side.”

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Emerald City Kitty Harbor, 3422 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)