Joy Vernon Stenson

Vern was born in York, North Dakota on November 26, 1931, to Olga and Fred Stenson. Vern, age 86 passed away in the hospital with his family beside him on December 29, 2017. He graduated from high school in Osnabrock, North Dakota in 1949. Vern served his country in the Army from March 23, 1951-December 29, 1956. During the Korean War, Vern was a soldier in the Infantry and supported a Tank Company while stationed at various locations throughout the world. While in Austria, he met the love of his life, Margarete (Gretta) Pöchtrager. They married May 23, 1956 and spent almost 60 years sharing adventures together. They lived at their home in Edmonds, Washington. Vern owned "Vern Stenson Chevron," full-service station in the Meadowdale area for many years. He joined Pipefitters Local 32 out of Seattle in November 1965. He worked at construction sites in the Seattle area and on the Alaskan pipeline. He retired in December 1993. Vern and Margarete had four children. Vern enjoyed his time with family, raising the kids, fishing, hunting and volunteering in Boy Scouts. He continued the love of these activities with his grandchildren. He also was a volunteer firefighter at the Lake Serene fire station. Vern and Margarete always loved traveling and camping. They spent many happy times at their property in Mazama in eastern Washington with family and friends. They traveled the U.S. and spent winters at their home in Tucson, Arizona. Family and friends will always cherish Vern for his love of family, gentle nature and his humor, which kept all laughing. His brother, Dean survives Vern. He also leaves his children, Dennis (Kari), Rodney (Robin), Roger, and Cindy Sutherland (Sean); grandchildren include Brandon Sutherland, Derek Sutherland (Laura), Maggie Dell (Jared), Molly Stenson, Duane Stenson, Kyle Stenson and Kristi Stenson. Great Grandchildren include Kara and Caleb Sutherland. Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Floral Hills Cemetery, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood WA 98036 a memorial will be held with a reception following . At 12:00 p.m., a burial service will follow with military honors. The family would also like to thank Olympic Place Assisted Living in Arlington, WA, and the nurses, doctors and staff at Providence Hospital in Everett for their care of Vern. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest a donation to the Alzheimer's Association of Washington State, Alz.org