Lester Henry Rinnan's Obituary
Lester RinnanLester Rinnan, a retired Tacoma businessman with a flair for woodworking and a great sense of humor, passed away early March 17 at age 93.A native Tacoman, Mr. Rinnan and wife Eva, who survives him, owned RinnanÂ's Unfurnished Furniture until retirement in 1978. They were married for nearly 65 years. Son Steven Rinnan continues to operate the store. Besides Mr. RinnanÂ's widow and son, he is survived by a daughter, Leslie Ann Rinnan of Seattle, a freelance writer, as well as two grandsons and one great-grandson.Mr. Rinnan was born May 26, 1910 to Gustaf and Mary Rinnan, both Norwegian immigrants. The youngest of six children, his life was linked to the immerging Pacific Northwest during the 20th Century. He fished as a teenager off the Point, picked fruit in the Yakima Valley, worked on construction of the Grand Coulee Dam and built ships during World War II. A small war surplus business in the late 1940s evolved into the unfinished furniture store.An avid reader, his avocations included traveling, wood carving and growing the finest tomatoes on Strawberry Hill. He was also an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.Graveside services are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, the Rev. Daniel J. Gerken, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, officiating. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for Mount Rainier Lutheran High School.
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