Obituaries

On December 1, 2020, Theresa Gallagher (Terry Kremenich) passed away unexpectedly at 58 years of age. Born and raised in West Seattle until striking out on her own shortly after high school graduation, she found her professional niche as a "trained on the job" paralegal in a well-established (65 years), highly regarded West Seattle law firm. She was employed there for 38 years, becoming an important part of the staff that she called her "other family." From the cards and flowers the firm received from their clients, it is clear that they, too, feel a deep loss at Terry's passing.

It's been one year since you suddenly left us.  We miss you every day.

Born in Darmstadt, Germany, Ursula came to the United States by herself in 1962.  She met Paul Jensen shortly thereafter. He had just returned from Germany, having served there in the Army. It was love at first sight. They were married 55 years, had one daughter, Stefanie Kestner, 2 grandchildren Riley and Isabella Kestner and great-granddaughter Hazel Stoffer. Paul and Ursula made their home in West Seattle for 49 years.

Jim was born in Seattle to Evelyn Mae (Ward) Lockrem and Seph Reuben Lockrem. A graduate of West Seattle High in 1964, he earned an Associate Degree from Highline Community College in 1969. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and the Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1971. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad from 1970 – 1996. His passion for trains was evident in the brilliant layout he created in his home of 50 years in the Delridge area. He liked music and ballroom dancing. He also enjoyed reading, kayaking, hiking, biking, rollerblading, and RC model airplanes.

Frances Leona Fagan Nitkey was born in The Dalles, Oregon in 1922.  In her Alki home on January 20th of this year, surrounded by the love and care of her family, in comfort and peace, she took her last breath, one week shy of her 99th birthday.  

Died January 4, 2021 at age 77.  A Prince of a Man.  West Seattle H. S. Class of '62.  United States Marine Corps combat helicopter pilot with HMM-364 (the Purple Foxes) and HMM-262 (the Flying Tigers) during the Vietnam era.  Allstate agent. Survived by his wife, Lynne Morris, stepdaughter Beth Upham, stepson Derek Upham and his wife Laurie, and granddaughters Meredith and Olivia Upham.  No services. Share memories at www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gary-Stackhouse

Born in Sisseton, S.D. to Edward and Bridget Rolstad.  Edward was a farmer and Bridget was a housewife and local midwife.  They had four children of which Mabel was the youngest.  Two brothers, Alen and LeRoy, and a sister Alice.

After relocating to Seattle, Mabel graduated from Lincoln High School.  She met Austin Aide who was her husband for 52 years.  They had one son, Michael.  

Austin worked for Continental Can Co. for 30 plus years and Mabel worked for the Post Office for 35 years. 

Ann Kimberly Dirks died peacefully at a senior care facility in West Seattle on January 3, 2021. She was 82. 

The mother of five boys, Ann was known for her spirited, outgoing personality and quick humor that helped her develop deep and lasting connections with neighbors, co-workers, friends, and within her large extended family. Born in Bellingham, Ann moved with her parents, Clair and Alta Smith, to West Seattle as a child.

Pauline was born in Bayard, Nebraska on October 31, 1927 to Paul and Edna Startzel.  Pauline had three sisters Lorene, Arline and Alice and a brother John. 

The family moved to Grandview, Washington where she attended Grandview high school. While there, Pauline worked at the local bank and at the local frozen food processing facility. It was there she met Raymond H. Kirlin who was on leave from the Navy, and they were married on March 17, 1946.

Don Henry was born February 16, 1936.  He died peacefully, at the age of 84, at home Wednesday, December 16, 2020 in the company of his beloved wife Sandra and friends at his bedside. He enjoyed life fully even after battling Parkinson’s the last 11 years. Don loved his Scottish heritage and would wear his Scottish Kilt whenever he could. He was proud of his “McNaughton” clan.

Alex Sasonoff of the Three Tree Point area of Burien, WA passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at the age of 90 following a short illness (no indication of Coronavirus infection). Alex was born in Seattle in 1930, the middle child of Russian immigrants who settled in White Center after fleeing the Russian Revolution. After graduating from West Seattle High School, Alex enlisted in the U.S.