Obituaries
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Alfons B. Kaminski
A funeral service was held for Sequim resident Alfons B. Kaminski, who died April 21, 2009, at the age of 84 of a heart attack.
He was born July 5, 1924, in Portage, Ind., to Mike and Czeslawa Komorkowski Kaminski.
He was a winner of two Portage County Gold Basketball awards while attending Portage High School.
He was a Purdue University graduate with a pharmacy degree and was assigned to the 839th Ordnance, serving in Normandy in the European Theater during World War II.
Mr. Kaminski married Naomi Oldham on Dec. 26, 1949. He and his wife owned and managed Sequim Drug Store, serving the community for 40 years. He appreciated his friends and customers of his pharmacy.
His active community participation included town council, Lions Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
He was an avid outdoorsman, woodworker and an award-winning wood carver.
He is survived by his wife, Naomi; sons Mark Kaminski of Lynnwood; Dale Kaminski of Sultan; Blaise Kaminski of Stanwood; Paul Kaminski of Darrington; daughters Monica Miller of Lynnwood and Bridget Richardson of Chimacum; nine grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Louis L. Mrkvicka
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. April 29, 2009, at
Sequim Community Church, 950 N. Fifth Ave., Sequim, for
Sequim resident Louis L. Mrkvicka.
The Rev. Scott Koenigsaecker officiates.
Mr. Mrkvicka died April 25, 2009, at the age of 83.
He was born April 29, 1925, in Omaha, Neb.
A full obituary will appear in a later edition.
Sequim Valley Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Frances Fulmer
A funeral service for Sequim resident Frances Fulmer will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at Sequim Community Church, 950 N. Fifth Ave., Sequim.
She died April 23, 2009, at 83.
She was born Aug. 7, 1925, in Pontiac, Ill., to Paul and Winifred Lewicki Fulmer.
A full obituary will appear in a later edition.
Sequim Valley Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Billy Gene Tomlinson
Funeral and burial services for former Port Angeles resident Billy Gene Tomlinson will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 1, at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 S.E. 240th St., Kent.
Mr. Tomlinson died April 16, 2009, at 82.
He was born Nov. 12, 1926, in St. Charles, Va., to Omer and Minnie Denton Tomlinson.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II and married Helen Alpha Ulsky on Jan. 8, 1947, in Everett. He was founder and owner of Clergy Talk in Port Angeles.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Omer and Michelle Tomlinson; Brian and Janeth Tomlinson; and Mark and Kathy Tomlinson; daughters and sons-in-law Marla and Rick McNeill; Brenda and Jim Harris; and Jana and Neal McGurrell; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Diabetes Association or a favorite charity.
Stephen Allen Reno
A celebration of life for Sequim resident Stephen Allen Reno is planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 121 E. Maple St., Sequim. A reception will follow.
Mr. Reno died April 27, 2009, at age 59.
He was born Feb. 28, 1950, at Fort Sill, Okla., to Lyle George and Grace Berdine Horn Reno.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, HMX 1, from 1968 to 1977.
He and Judy Lousie married April 13, 1973, in Stanwood.
Mr. Reno was a dairy farmer in Randle from 1974-1977. From 1977-1982, he worked for Sequim Crown Zellerbach. He was a Sequim Police officer from 1983-1994, and had a self-owned business, Contract Interiors, at the time of his death.
Mr. Reno is survived by his wife, Judy Lousie Reno, son Stephen Aaron Reno and daughter Katey Reno, all of Sequim; daughter and son-in law Julie Reno Ray and Brandon Ray, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his mother, Grace Berdine Reno, brother Larry Reno and sister Lyla Reno, all of Medical Lake; sister Cherie Reese, of Republic, and sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Jim Waite of Monroe; five grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle George Reno, and brother-in-law Dennis Reece.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County or St. Vincent de Paul.
Patrick Joseph Tisdale
A service has been held for Tigard, Ore., resident Patrick Joseph Tisdale, who died April 13, 2009, of a heart attack at 63.
He was born Feb. 11, 1946, in Port Angeles to Donald and Molly Sevard Tisdale.
He served in the United States Navy from 1964-1969 aboard the USS Cochrane. He married Cathie Feller in March 2004 in Beaverton, Ore. A communication technician, Mr. Tisdale lived and worked in 36 states.
He is survived by his daughter Becky Jorgensen of Federal Way; daughter and son-in-law Jenni and Cricket Shiers of Lake Tapps; stepmother Betty Tisdale; sisters and brothers-in-law Linna and Larry Livingston of Sequim; Janet and Bill Stipe of Sequim; Mary and Mel Fisher of Edmonds; and Kelly Tisdale of Port Angeles; and four grandchildren.
Mabel Siron
A memorial service for Sequim resident Mabel Siron will be held at a later date. She died April 20, 2009, at the age of 90 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
She was born Nov. 26, 1918, in North Bend to Thomas and Effie May Currie Stevens.
She married Elwood Otto in 1936; Albert Valenta in 1943; and George Siron in 1973. All preceded her in death. She lived most of her life in Washington state, attending Bremerton High School.
Mrs. Siron loved to sing and always was involved in church choirs, vocal groups and trios. During her early retirement years in Southern California, she sang with both the Treble Clefs and MelodAirs. She was a longtime member of United Methodist Church and attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Sequim, where she sang in the choir. She was actively involved in PTA, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Rebekkah Lodge and Eastern Star.
She was a member of the PEO Sisterhood, joining Chapter RH in California and transferring to Chapter FY in Sequim. Mrs. Siron served as president in both chapters and held many other offices.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law David and Marilyn Otto of Post Falls, Idaho; Tom and Barbara Valenta of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Richard and Darcel Valenta of North Hollywood, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law Lessie and Ron Auletti of Sequim; stepchildren Randall Siron of Shingle Springs, Calif.; Georgia Collier of Black Diamond and Leslie Swindall of Tacoma; sisters Lenore Stout of Lynnwood and Margaret Tyo of Beaverton, Ore.; four granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; son Stephen Valenta; and several brothers and sisters.
Yates Funeral Home of Coeur d'Alene was in charge of arrangements.
Beatrice Edith Charles
A service was held for Port Angeles resident Beatrice Edith Charles, who died April 20, 2009, at the age of 89.
She was born May 14, 1919, in Pysht to Ernest and Sadie Elliott Sampson.
She earned a graduate equivalency diploma.
She married Charles Williams in British Columbia, Canada. She later married Elmer Arthur Charles on Feb. 25, 1967, in Port Angeles.
Mrs. Charles worked in a fruit factory in Seattle before moving to Port Angeles in 1963. She was the first community health representative for the Elwha Tribe and served until retirement in the 1980s, when she began restoring the Klallam language. She was a Klallam language teacher and also was instrumental in testifying for the Boldt Decision in restoring fishing rights for the Elwha Tribe.
She enjoyed beading, crocheting, bingo and knitting. She was a member of Assembly of God Church.
Mrs. Charles is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Charles and Paula Williams; daughter Lorna Mike; aunt Adeline Smith; sister Bernice Anderson; nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Vera M. Forshaw
A service for Sequim resident Vera M. Forshaw will be announced at a later date. Mrs. Forshaw died April 14, 2009, in Tucson, Ariz., at the age of 81.
She was born March 26, 1928, in Sandusky, Ohio, to Robert and Charlotte Lincolnbach Brownell.
She married Robert Forshaw on Oct. 3, 1947, in Wayne, Mich. She was co-owner of Formost Construction for 28 years. She loved golfing, working in her yard, decorating homes and spending time with family, friends and her dog Toby. Her winter home was in Green Valley, Ariz.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Forshaw of Sequim and Green Valley, Ariz.; daughters Cathy Kvistad of Malott and Lesli Forshaw of Sacramento, Calif.; sons Mike Forshaw, Dan Forshaw, Bobby Forshaw and Matt Forshaw, all of Sequim; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a nephew, a niece; and her favorite dog, Toby.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, P.O. Box 4167, Sequim, WA 98382.
Dorothy 'Dot'
Heuhslein Olson
At her request, a private family service will be held for former Agnew resident Dorothy "Dot" Heuhslein Olson, who died April 10, 2009, at the age of 85.
She was born Jan. 22, 1924, in Port Angeles, to Nick and Esther Heuhslein.
She grew up on the family dairy farm in Agnew. She graduated from Sequim High School in 1942 and completed licensed practical nursing training at St. Luke's Hospital in Bellingham.
In 1945, she married Mel Olson in Bellingham. She worked at various nursing homes and later became a cook for the Bellingham School District.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Marcia and Larry Bakkom of Ferndale; Sussie and Chris Gaudette of Everett; and Bonnie Ward of Graham; sister and brother-in-law Esther and Ray Nelson of Sequim; three grandchildren; a great-grandson; a nephew; and two nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband Mel; brother Russ Heuhlein; sister Bobbie Bradford; son-in-law Ron Ward; and a granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice, 800 E. Chestnut, Suite 1-C, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Visiting Angels, 4213 Rural Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226.
Lorena D. Stiles
A private service will be held for Sequim resident Lorena D. Stiles, who died April 18, 2009, of heart failure at the age of 73.
She was born May 22, 1935, in Noatak, Alaska, to Cecil and Bessie Armstrong Mitchell.
She married William J. Stiles on March 12, 1960, in Silver Lake. Mrs. Stiles was a licensed practical nurse and certified nursing assistant, living in Delaware, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Carolina. She traveled in service to Japan and Portugal.
She is survived by her husband William Stiles; sons Robert Stiles and David Stiles; daughter-in-law Joi Stiles; two grandsons; and many nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her son Edward Stiles.
Elsie Jane Flora Frazier
At her request, no service was planned for former Sequim resident Elsie Jane Flora Frazier, who died April 22, 2009, at the age of 92 in Grand Junction, Colo.
She was born Sept. 27, 1916, in Burlington, Ohio, to Joseph Albert and Manitha Jenkins Flora.
She graduated from Marshall College in Huntington, W. Va., and earned a master's degree from Ohio State University. She worked as a medical technologist and clinical pathologist.
Before Mrs. Frazier moved to Grand Junction, she lived in Sequim from 1974-1999 and in Joliet, Ill.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Roger and Mary Moss Frazier of Palisade, Colo.; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Bill Witt of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband Homer Frazier and a granddaughter.
In recognition of her love of books, donations to the local library are requested as memorial contributions.
Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction, Colo., was in charge of arrangements.
A funeral service was held for Sequim resident Alfons B. Kaminski, who died April 21, 2009, at the age of 84 of a heart attack.
He was born July 5, 1924, in Portage, Ind., to Mike and Czeslawa Komorkowski Kaminski.
He was a winner of two Portage County Gold Basketball awards while attending Portage High School.
He was a Purdue University graduate with a pharmacy degree and was assigned to the 839th Ordnance, serving in Normandy in the European Theater during World War II.
Mr. Kaminski married Naomi Oldham on Dec. 26, 1949. He and his wife owned and managed Sequim Drug Store, serving the community for 40 years. He appreciated his friends and customers of his pharmacy.
His active community participation included town council, Lions Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
He was an avid outdoorsman, woodworker and an award-winning wood carver.
He is survived by his wife, Naomi; sons Mark Kaminski of Lynnwood; Dale Kaminski of Sultan; Blaise Kaminski of Stanwood; Paul Kaminski of Darrington; daughters Monica Miller of Lynnwood and Bridget Richardson of Chimacum; nine grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Louis L. Mrkvicka
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. April 29, 2009, at
Sequim Community Church, 950 N. Fifth Ave., Sequim, for
Sequim resident Louis L. Mrkvicka.
The Rev. Scott Koenigsaecker officiates.
Mr. Mrkvicka died April 25, 2009, at the age of 83.
He was born April 29, 1925, in Omaha, Neb.
A full obituary will appear in a later edition.
Sequim Valley Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Frances Fulmer
A funeral service for Sequim resident Frances Fulmer will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at Sequim Community Church, 950 N. Fifth Ave., Sequim.
She died April 23, 2009, at 83.
She was born Aug. 7, 1925, in Pontiac, Ill., to Paul and Winifred Lewicki Fulmer.
A full obituary will appear in a later edition.
Sequim Valley Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Billy Gene Tomlinson
Funeral and burial services for former Port Angeles resident Billy Gene Tomlinson will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 1, at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 S.E. 240th St., Kent.
Mr. Tomlinson died April 16, 2009, at 82.
He was born Nov. 12, 1926, in St. Charles, Va., to Omer and Minnie Denton Tomlinson.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II and married Helen Alpha Ulsky on Jan. 8, 1947, in Everett. He was founder and owner of Clergy Talk in Port Angeles.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law Omer and Michelle Tomlinson; Brian and Janeth Tomlinson; and Mark and Kathy Tomlinson; daughters and sons-in-law Marla and Rick McNeill; Brenda and Jim Harris; and Jana and Neal McGurrell; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Diabetes Association or a favorite charity.
Stephen Allen Reno
A celebration of life for Sequim resident Stephen Allen Reno is planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 121 E. Maple St., Sequim. A reception will follow.
Mr. Reno died April 27, 2009, at age 59.
He was born Feb. 28, 1950, at Fort Sill, Okla., to Lyle George and Grace Berdine Horn Reno.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, HMX 1, from 1968 to 1977.
He and Judy Lousie married April 13, 1973, in Stanwood.
Mr. Reno was a dairy farmer in Randle from 1974-1977. From 1977-1982, he worked for Sequim Crown Zellerbach. He was a Sequim Police officer from 1983-1994, and had a self-owned business, Contract Interiors, at the time of his death.
Mr. Reno is survived by his wife, Judy Lousie Reno, son Stephen Aaron Reno and daughter Katey Reno, all of Sequim; daughter and son-in law Julie Reno Ray and Brandon Ray, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his mother, Grace Berdine Reno, brother Larry Reno and sister Lyla Reno, all of Medical Lake; sister Cherie Reese, of Republic, and sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Jim Waite of Monroe; five grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle George Reno, and brother-in-law Dennis Reece.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County or St. Vincent de Paul.
Patrick Joseph Tisdale
A service has been held for Tigard, Ore., resident Patrick Joseph Tisdale, who died April 13, 2009, of a heart attack at 63.
He was born Feb. 11, 1946, in Port Angeles to Donald and Molly Sevard Tisdale.
He served in the United States Navy from 1964-1969 aboard the USS Cochrane. He married Cathie Feller in March 2004 in Beaverton, Ore. A communication technician, Mr. Tisdale lived and worked in 36 states.
He is survived by his daughter Becky Jorgensen of Federal Way; daughter and son-in-law Jenni and Cricket Shiers of Lake Tapps; stepmother Betty Tisdale; sisters and brothers-in-law Linna and Larry Livingston of Sequim; Janet and Bill Stipe of Sequim; Mary and Mel Fisher of Edmonds; and Kelly Tisdale of Port Angeles; and four grandchildren.
Mabel Siron
A memorial service for Sequim resident Mabel Siron will be held at a later date. She died April 20, 2009, at the age of 90 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
She was born Nov. 26, 1918, in North Bend to Thomas and Effie May Currie Stevens.
She married Elwood Otto in 1936; Albert Valenta in 1943; and George Siron in 1973. All preceded her in death. She lived most of her life in Washington state, attending Bremerton High School.
Mrs. Siron loved to sing and always was involved in church choirs, vocal groups and trios. During her early retirement years in Southern California, she sang with both the Treble Clefs and MelodAirs. She was a longtime member of United Methodist Church and attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Sequim, where she sang in the choir. She was actively involved in PTA, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Rebekkah Lodge and Eastern Star.
She was a member of the PEO Sisterhood, joining Chapter RH in California and transferring to Chapter FY in Sequim. Mrs. Siron served as president in both chapters and held many other offices.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law David and Marilyn Otto of Post Falls, Idaho; Tom and Barbara Valenta of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Richard and Darcel Valenta of North Hollywood, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law Lessie and Ron Auletti of Sequim; stepchildren Randall Siron of Shingle Springs, Calif.; Georgia Collier of Black Diamond and Leslie Swindall of Tacoma; sisters Lenore Stout of Lynnwood and Margaret Tyo of Beaverton, Ore.; four granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; son Stephen Valenta; and several brothers and sisters.
Yates Funeral Home of Coeur d'Alene was in charge of arrangements.
Beatrice Edith Charles
A service was held for Port Angeles resident Beatrice Edith Charles, who died April 20, 2009, at the age of 89.
She was born May 14, 1919, in Pysht to Ernest and Sadie Elliott Sampson.
She earned a graduate equivalency diploma.
She married Charles Williams in British Columbia, Canada. She later married Elmer Arthur Charles on Feb. 25, 1967, in Port Angeles.
Mrs. Charles worked in a fruit factory in Seattle before moving to Port Angeles in 1963. She was the first community health representative for the Elwha Tribe and served until retirement in the 1980s, when she began restoring the Klallam language. She was a Klallam language teacher and also was instrumental in testifying for the Boldt Decision in restoring fishing rights for the Elwha Tribe.
She enjoyed beading, crocheting, bingo and knitting. She was a member of Assembly of God Church.
Mrs. Charles is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Charles and Paula Williams; daughter Lorna Mike; aunt Adeline Smith; sister Bernice Anderson; nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Vera M. Forshaw
A service for Sequim resident Vera M. Forshaw will be announced at a later date. Mrs. Forshaw died April 14, 2009, in Tucson, Ariz., at the age of 81.
She was born March 26, 1928, in Sandusky, Ohio, to Robert and Charlotte Lincolnbach Brownell.
She married Robert Forshaw on Oct. 3, 1947, in Wayne, Mich. She was co-owner of Formost Construction for 28 years. She loved golfing, working in her yard, decorating homes and spending time with family, friends and her dog Toby. Her winter home was in Green Valley, Ariz.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Forshaw of Sequim and Green Valley, Ariz.; daughters Cathy Kvistad of Malott and Lesli Forshaw of Sacramento, Calif.; sons Mike Forshaw, Dan Forshaw, Bobby Forshaw and Matt Forshaw, all of Sequim; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a nephew, a niece; and her favorite dog, Toby.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, P.O. Box 4167, Sequim, WA 98382.
Dorothy 'Dot'
Heuhslein Olson
At her request, a private family service will be held for former Agnew resident Dorothy "Dot" Heuhslein Olson, who died April 10, 2009, at the age of 85.
She was born Jan. 22, 1924, in Port Angeles, to Nick and Esther Heuhslein.
She grew up on the family dairy farm in Agnew. She graduated from Sequim High School in 1942 and completed licensed practical nursing training at St. Luke's Hospital in Bellingham.
In 1945, she married Mel Olson in Bellingham. She worked at various nursing homes and later became a cook for the Bellingham School District.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Marcia and Larry Bakkom of Ferndale; Sussie and Chris Gaudette of Everett; and Bonnie Ward of Graham; sister and brother-in-law Esther and Ray Nelson of Sequim; three grandchildren; a great-grandson; a nephew; and two nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband Mel; brother Russ Heuhlein; sister Bobbie Bradford; son-in-law Ron Ward; and a granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice, 800 E. Chestnut, Suite 1-C, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Visiting Angels, 4213 Rural Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226.
Lorena D. Stiles
A private service will be held for Sequim resident Lorena D. Stiles, who died April 18, 2009, of heart failure at the age of 73.
She was born May 22, 1935, in Noatak, Alaska, to Cecil and Bessie Armstrong Mitchell.
She married William J. Stiles on March 12, 1960, in Silver Lake. Mrs. Stiles was a licensed practical nurse and certified nursing assistant, living in Delaware, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Carolina. She traveled in service to Japan and Portugal.
She is survived by her husband William Stiles; sons Robert Stiles and David Stiles; daughter-in-law Joi Stiles; two grandsons; and many nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her son Edward Stiles.
Elsie Jane Flora Frazier
At her request, no service was planned for former Sequim resident Elsie Jane Flora Frazier, who died April 22, 2009, at the age of 92 in Grand Junction, Colo.
She was born Sept. 27, 1916, in Burlington, Ohio, to Joseph Albert and Manitha Jenkins Flora.
She graduated from Marshall College in Huntington, W. Va., and earned a master's degree from Ohio State University. She worked as a medical technologist and clinical pathologist.
Before Mrs. Frazier moved to Grand Junction, she lived in Sequim from 1974-1999 and in Joliet, Ill.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Roger and Mary Moss Frazier of Palisade, Colo.; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Bill Witt of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband Homer Frazier and a granddaughter.
In recognition of her love of books, donations to the local library are requested as memorial contributions.
Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction, Colo., was in charge of arrangements.
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