Allen Stakset's Obituary
Allen Ivan Stakset February 9, 1936 – May 14, 2023
Allen was born in Tacoma, WA to two Norwegian immigrants, Henry Stakset and Lina Dahl Stakset, on February 9, 1936, and passed away peacefully in his own home on May 14, 2023. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1954 and married the love of his life, Bonnie Kelling, in 1957. Allen and Bonnie spent their entire lives together in the Tacoma (Midland) area, raising their three children and eventually founding and running their business, Tacoma Plumbing & Heating, Inc. They were very active members of Bethany Open Bible Church for many decades, and then for the past 20+years were devoted members at Celebration Center Church. Allen was an incredible husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa to his family, as well as a beloved friend and employer to many. We will miss his wisdom, his generous heart, his warm smile, his kindhearted compassion, and his sense of humor (even his sometimes corny jokes).
Allen and Bonnie loved to travel, especially to Mexico and Arizona with friends and family. They enjoyed many, many years of this, creating so many beautiful memories that family and friends now treasure. They loved to garden and sit in the sun, play golf, play cards, watch the Seahawks, and drink Diet Coke.
Allen was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie, his daughter, Lisa (Chris) Hansler, and his sister, Chirste (Harold) Jacobsen. He is survived by his brother, Henry (Arlene) Stakset of Tacoma, daughter, Tana (Bruce) Columbia of Tacoma, son, Todd (Pauli) Stakset of Gig Harbor, son-in-law, Chris Hansler of Bonney Lake, grandchildren, Allison, Andrew, Robert, John, Annie, Ashley and Lindsey, six great-grandchildren, a niece, numerous nephews and cousins and extended family in the USA and in Norway. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Wiser Home Care Services for their above and beyond care and friendship that they gave to Allen for the past 4 years.
We will be celebrating Allen’s life on Friday, June 23rd, 2:00 pm at Lighthouse Christian Church (3409 23rd Str SW, Puyallup, WA 98373). There will be a reception immediately following there as well.
What’s your fondest memory of Allen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Allen?
Share a story where Allen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Allen you’ll never forget.
How did Allen make you smile?