Obituaries

Trygve Mathisen passed away in Ballard on January 21, 2006, at the age of 95. Trygve was born in 1910 in Leirfjord, Norway, to Johan Thorvaldsen and Alette Mathisen. He was the eldest of 16 children. Immigrating to America and settling down in Paulsbo, Trygve became a citizen in 1935. He later moved to Ballard where he lived the remainder of his life. Choosing a lifelong occupation that fulfilled his love of the sea, Trygve became a boat captain and commercial fisherman. He married Gudrun Ringstad and together they enjoyed over 50 years of marriage until her passing in 1991.

93, longtime Ballard resident, passed away Jan. 21, 2006. Born in Ross, ND on Apr. 9, 1912, she grew up in Billings, MT and met and married Herbert E. Zimmerman on Mar. 5, 1930. Shortly after, they moved to Seattle, and raised two children, Herb "Skip" and Jackie. They also owned the Rolling Pin Bakery from 1950-1963. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband and son. Survived by her daughter, Jackie Carskadden; daughter-in-law, Eileen (Ric) Smoot; 6 grandchildren, Vicki, Susan, Scott, Karla, Mark and Darren and 5 great grandchildren, Justin, Eric, Lance, Ashley and Brett.

At age 84, John went to be with the Lord on Wednesday January 11, 2006. He was born on June 19, 1921 in Spokane, Washington. He grew up in a loving family with four sisters and three brothers. John graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and a year later enlisted in the Navy. He served three years aboard the Carter Hall in the South Pacific.

Upon returning from military service, he attended WSU, earning a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. While attending the University, he met and married Gloria Bellingar.

William was born January 10, 1924 in Seattle, WA. He died January 16, 2006 at the age of 82. In college, William was part of the Navy ROTC, and a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity at the University of Washington and also graduate from the U of W. He worked in education for 30 years, working as a principal in the Puyallup, Anacortes, and Parkland School Districts, and then finishing his career in the Federal Way School Dist. as an Assistant Superintendent in Charge of Personnel. William was a member of Rotary and he enjoyed taking time to go Steelhead Fishing.

Karen Thuen was born February 28, 1907 in Skjaak County, Norway and passed away January 22, 2006 in Seattle. Karen left Norway in 1929 to marry her childhood sweetheart, Sigurd Thuen on January 2, 1930 in Vancouver, B.C. Four months later they settled in Seattle where they enjoyed 53 years of marriage until his death in 1983.

Karen was a Life Member of the Sons of Norway and spent many active years as a member of Southwest Garden Club, St. James Lutheran Church, Senior Center of West Seattle and First Lutheran Church of West Seattle.

Melba Francis Pike, A much-loved mother and grandmother died peacefully on January 25, 2006 at age 88. Melba was born in Dillon, Montana, May 14, 1917 to Don and Beth Francis. She had one sister, Della. Melba married Gerald Zebarth in 1937 and had two sons, Donald and Gary. Later, she remarried Verne Pike and in 1948 moved to Seattle where she and Verne had a son, LaVerne. They lived in White Center for 50 years. Melba spent most of her life as a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her son, Donald and her husband, Verne. Melba was always willing to serve where there was a need.

May 20, 1925 - January 16, 2006

Ron was born in Tacoma, Washington, raised in the Yakima Valley. In 1944 he moved to Seattle where he lived for 41 years. Ron was active in the Steelhead Trout Club, Boy Scots and Eagles.

Ruth Irene Lofthus was born on March 26, 1910 in Adams, North Dakota and passed away on January 21, 2006 in Kirkland, Washington. Funeral services were at 3 p.m. on January 28, 2006 at forest Lawn funeral Home in Seattle.

Born July1, 1920, passed away January 23, 2006 at Mount St. Vincent, Seattle, Washington. Stan was a US Army veteran of WWII and resident of West Seattle since 1951. Stan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Teri; Children Jim Koziel (Betty), Kay Frederiksen (Glenn), Carol Lohrman (Jon), and Chuck Koziel (Jerri); Eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. A Viewing was held at the Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home, 3909 SW Alaska St, West Seattle, from 5-7 pm on Thursday, January 26. A Rosary followed the Viewing at 7 pm.

Esther, 80, passed January 22nd after a stroke three days prior. Born to German immigrants in Chicago. Married Alvin Chrisman in 1946, moving to Seattle where he worked as a Boeing engineer. Active in PTA, Assoc. for Childbirth Education, Seattle Art Museum volunteer, and 50 years at Fauntleroy Community Church (UCC). Enjoyed traveling, photography, hiking and bridge. Survived by Paula (Jim) Oas, Carol (Curtis) Troll and Neil (Carolyn) Chrisman, nine grandchildren and sister Violet (Bob) Halleman. Proceeded in death by Alvin in 1988.