Donald Gene Berntsen May 9, 1925 – January 4, 2010 Donald Gene Berntsen was born May 9, 1925, in Tacoma, Washington to Alfred and Gladys (Grahm) Berntsen. he had one beloved older brother, Robert Anton. The family resided in the McKinley Hill community and Don remained a Tacoma native at heart his entire life. Don attended Lincoln High School until he was called to active duty in his senior year. He served in the Pacific during World War II as a radio technician specialist aboard the U.S.S. Karnes. After proudly serving his country, Don married his high school sweetheart, Maxine in 1944. They moved to San Luis Obispo, CA where he attended Cal Poly and graduated with honors in Electronic Engineering. After graduation, Don and Maxine returned to the Seattle area where Don’s professional career encompassed 37 years at the Boeing Company. Don loved his family, enjoyed spending time with them, and was fiercely proud of his Norwegian heritage. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie at the monthly Bernsten Cousins Lunches where many fond memories are shared including those of the family homestead in Cromwell, Washington. Don was an avid reader and known for thought-provoking conversation. He studied world energy issues extensively and encouraged all of us to protect our future through environmental awareness. Don is loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Surviving family members include Maxine, his devoted wife of 65 years; children Steven, Bonnie, Martin and Bryan; grandchildren Spencer, Seth, Ashley, Bryan, Jr., Zachary and Danielle; and great grandchildren Sage, Samantha, Quentin and Trenton. We are thankful for the love and support of sister-in-law, Charlotte, nieces Barbara, Gail and their families. A gathering and celebration of Don’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, January 8th, at the Tacoma Mountaineer’s Club, 2302 N 30th, Tacoma, WA, 98403. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to the American Red Cross. Please sign online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
Neil J. Gaiser Jr. Passed away on Dec. 29th, 2009. Neil (Jerry) is survived by his wife Janice of 45 years, daughter Wendy, sons Brett (Laura), Cory (Julie) and 4 grandchildren, Kayla, Seth, Ally and Colby. He is also survived by two sisters, Marylyn Donnelly (Bob), Sonja Cousins (Al). A celebration of his life will be held on Sat. Jan. 23rd at 3:00 PM at the Elk Plain Grange 21817 Mt. Hwy. E., Spanaway. The family would appriciate donations to the American Heart Association . Please sign online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
Margaret Mary (Melzark) Kinder June 15, 1920 to January 6, 2010 Margaret’s life ended on January 6, 2010. She was born on a farm on June 15, 1920 near Aberdeen, South Dakota. City life called Marge in her late teens when she met her beloved husband, Bill Kinder, in Aberdeen. Married on September 13, 1941, they later welcomed son Jerry, followed by daughter, Marilyn. In the late fifties, they moved west and settled in Tacoma, where Bill was employed by The Tacoma News Tribune , as a copy editor. Marge then resumed her career in retail at Rhodes Department Store, until its closing. She was instrumental in helping form a Rhodes former employee’s group who met annually until disbanding in 2008. She was also active in the Retired Retail Clerks. In the early 1980’s, Marge joined a senior aerobics group. It became her passion for over two decades. It evolved into the June Neville Dancers, performing at many local venues. Marge’s favorite things were shopping with friends, lunches, card games, holiday parties with family, neighbors, and friends. She enjoyed trips with her family to Ohio, the ocean, and road trips to Reno with her son and daughter-in-law. She also loved being with her grandchildren, gardening, sewing, and baking. Further, she was a loyal Sonics fan, even honored as a “Sonics Grandma” at a home game! Marge was preceded in death by her husband, William D. Kinder in 1978. Her survivors include brother Bill Melzark of Lake Tapps, son Jerry (Mary) Kinder, daughter Marilyn (Al) Bennett, both of Tacoma, grandchildren Kim (Rick) Thompson of University Place and Bill (Marcy) Bennett of Tacoma. Great grandchildren are Justin and Erin Margaret Thompson and Casey and Andrew Bennett. She is also survived by family in Ohio, Minnesota, and Washington State. Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 PM, Friday, January 8, 2010 at the Celebration of Life Center/Aspen Chapel at Mountain View. In lieu of gifts please donate to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 253-584-0252. Please sign online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.