June Lorraine Jarstad

A short week ago, our family lost one of the “angels on earth.” Our mom was a special person in so many ways. We celebrate her life and all she taught us; not just with words but always with an example of patience, kindness, love of family, friends, and all that God provided. Sadness turns to joy, knowing mom is with Jesus. Our hearts soar with her!

June Lorraine Jarstad, age 99, passed away on November 4, 2024. She was born June 2, 1925 in Bremerton, WA, to the late Oscar and Addy Etten.

June enjoyed a wonderful childhood near the water in Manette with her parents, her older brother Roy, and younger brother Keith. She loved swimming, skipping rocks, chasing crabs,

and watching the small, carless ferries go by.

June began singing at the age of four and news of her Shirley Temple voice and look-alike dresses and curly hair made its way to Seattle, where she was invited to sing on radio stations KJR (Mardi Gras Gang), KOMO, and KOL. She was called “Baby June Etten” by the employees of those stations. When she turned five, her brother Roy joined her in taking dance lessons from Margaret Tapping. They later danced and sang for various organizations in Bremerton.

June always called her high school years at Bremerton High School a “happy time.” She was a member of many organizations, including serving as the Girls Club president and the Worthy Advisor of Bremerton Assembly #12 Order of Rainbow for girls in Washington and Alaska. During that time, she was asked to be the first Miss Bremerton candidate by the Kiwanis Club, but she had to decline because of her responsibilities as the Rainbow Worthy Advisor. Along with her many singing accolades, June also lettered in tennis and was named Outstanding Senior Girl for involvement. She loved to be with people!

June met the love of her life, Glenn Jarstad, when she was 16 years old at the Perl Maurer Dance Pavilion. The night they met, they were both on dates with other people. Glenn was on the dance floor when he spotted June and knew he had to meet her. When her date took her home that night she noticed an unknown car in the driveway. As she entered her home a very handsome young man was having an enjoyable conversation with her parents - it was Glenn! It was love at first sight for the both of them. Her date quickly left, and the rest was history!

Glenn and June were married on October 16, 1942. She often talked about her amazing life with the man she loved. They enjoyed snow skiing, ocean trips to Westport, camping, and picnics to Mt. Rainier. They purchased their first, and only, home in Sheridan Park and soon began a family. They had four children together, and could always be found at their kid’s various school events. When Glenn was elected Mayor of Bremerton in 1964, June attended Olympic College to brush up on her typing and shorthand, and was hired at Keyport. When asked about her proudest accomplishment she said, “being married to the ‘best mayor Bremerton has ever had’ and to the ‘most wonderful man’.”

June continued her love of singing and became a member of the Manette Community Choir, where she sang for more than 30 years. She was also a member of the Puget Soundsters, the

Masters Singers, and the Senior Singers. At age 96, she even led Christmas carols at The Ridge.

June was known by family and friends as a kind, caring, and loving person. Her steadfast examples of those attributes will be forever remembered.

June was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Jarstad, her parents, Oscar and Addy Etten, and her brothers, Roy Etten and Keith Etten.

June’s loving spirit is carried on by her four children, Janice Grimm, Susan Leavell (Dick), Gene Jarstad (Jenn), and Kay Denny (Mike). Grandchildren Bret Grimm (Jenny), Brian Grimm, Aaron Leavell (Kelli), Melissa Vandendriessche (Judd), Scott Denny (Angie), Stacee Malstead, Melonie Denny, and Tami Browning (Michael). Great-grandchildren Braden and Rose Grimm, Kellen, Corbin, and Kylan Leavell, Carter Vandendriessche, Kinlee Merrick, Keedin Denny, Cypress, Sawyer, and Jocee Malstead, and Landon and Declan Browning. Great-Great grandchild, Lark Merrick.

June’s family invites you to celebrate her life with them on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Newlife Training and Event’s Center, 9923 Poplars Ave NW, Silverdale, WA 98383. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Manette Community Church, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, or the Bremerton School District Backpack Brigade in June’s name.

Many thanks and appreciation to Pastor Ron Anderson, Pastor Jenni Waldron, Newlife Silverdale, and the caring and loving staff at The Ridge Memory Care. We also want to extend our gratitude to Stephanie Perry and Sara.