Frans Welter Doelman's Obituary
Frans Welter Doelman, age 84, born on 3/30/1933 in Brussels, Belgium, and passed away on 3/18/2018 in Lakewood, WA.
Frans was born to Johanna Cornelia Doelman & Franciscus Welter. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Hans, and granddaughter, Erika Hawkins.
Frans is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ruth (Ruthie) Eleanor Doelman, his children and their families, many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends.
Children: Mark Doelman & Stephanie Matthews
Christina (Doelman) & Dwight Martin
Catherine (Doelman) & Craig Hawkins
Grandchildren:Dominique Doelman & Steven Woods
Eric Martin, Jennifer Martin, and Stephanie Martin
Nick Hawkins, Alexandra (Hawkins) & Juston Littlefield,
and Kendra Hawkins
Great-Grandchildren:Sonny Woods & Christian Woods
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
We will miss this bright smile and laughing blue eyes the rest of our days. Frans was a proud Dutchman to the end. He survived many challenges in life...a child POW in Java during WW2, with his beloved twin brother Hans & mother; coming to the US with nothing; settling in California, attending Carmel High School, and later earning a track scholarship to UC Berkeley (“Legs”); serving in the USAF & Reserves for 32 years, flying 14000 hours, including 6 years flying transport service to Vietnam. His greatest challenge and joy was his family. He raised 3 kids, and truly enjoyed being grandfather to five granddaughters & two step-grandsons, and great-grandfather to two little boys. Frans was generous, kind, taught us to work hard, love deeply and take time to give others a hand. Our hearts break for we will miss him, but we are comforted knowing that his earthly struggles are over and he is at peace and free to soar again. Love you dad, blessed be.
Gathering/Services:
Military Honors & Committal Services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, Friday, April 6th at 2:30pm (2:00pm motorcade assembly), 18600 SE 240th St Kent, WA 98042.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 7th at 2:00pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 8211 112th St SW Lakewood, WA 98498, with a gathering of friends and family, and reception in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Memorial gifts may be given to Christ Lutheran Memorial Fund, for future family designation.
What’s your fondest memory of Frans?
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Share a story where Frans' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frans you’ll never forget.
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