Reuben David Kvamme's Obituary
Reuben David Kvamme June 19, 1937-April 4, 2025, Reuben Kvamme, 87, passed away on April 4, 2025. Reuben was born in his long-time family home on S. 19th and Hosmer in Tacoma. He attended Stanley Elementary, McCarver Jr. High, and graduated from Stadium High School in 1955. He enrolled at PLC (now PLU) that fall and graduated with a BA in education in May 1959. He earned his Master’s Degree at PLU in 1968. Reuben went to work for the Tacoma Schools as a 5th Grade teacher at Sherman Elementary, where he taught for 8 years. In following years, he felt fortunate to be asked to serve as a reading clinician, federal program administrator, assistant principal at Jefferson Elementary, principal at Larchmont Elementary, and Stanley Elementary (where his 3rd grade teacher was still teaching!). Later in his career, he worked alongside Willie Stewart for 17 years as a personnel administrator. He retired with 39 years of Tacoma Public Schools service in 1998 as Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources. Following his “retirement,” he was invited to serve in interim and consulting roles for a number of nearby districts. In 3 of those districts, he was interim Assistant Superintendent for Personnel. He was known throughout his career for his grace, compassion, kindness and humility.
Reuben had a large number of interests, including collecting tools, tinkering in his garage, gardening, maintaining his (and his friends’) roses, reading, traveling— especially to Cannon Beach, Palm Springs, and Arizona, automobiles, and attending estate sales. He had a beautiful, extensive Abraham Lincoln collection, including over 300 books and a treasure of memorabilia. Reuben and Clarine were members of the Tacoma Yacht Club since they bought their first boat, The Nordic Star, in the late 90s. They spent many years boat camping with their dear friends, John and Gerry. Clarine had logged over 200 nights spent on their boat in her journal. Those times were a huge highlight for all of them. Reuben and Clarine were active members of First Christian Church for over 30 years, where he served as a deacon, elder, trustee, and Sunday School teacher. In later years, they attended University Place Presbyterian Church. Reuben served on the board of Tahoma Associates for many years and served as President of the Board in 2014 and 2015. Our Dad was always willing to lend a hand in whatever way he could to his children, grandchildren, and the multitude of wonderful friends he was blessed with. Reuben spent his last 2-1/2 years at Merrill Gardens, where he was loved by the staff and residents. Reuben cherished his family: wife of 65 years, Clarine, and children, Lori Salisbury (Kent), David (Sandy) Kvamme, Kathi Wiebe (Ken), Kari Caliguri (Kurt McQueen), and son-in-laws, Cliff Starr and Rick Caliguri. He also dearly loved and took a strong interest in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Reuben is survived by his four children and their spouses and his grandchildren, Katie Salisbury (James Halttunen), Amanda (Luke) Hutyler, Megan (Josh) de Leon, Jenelle Salisbury (John Hotz), Hayden (Kathryn) Kvamme, Bailey Kvamme, Lacey Kvamme, Veronica (Chad) Dwyer, Clayton (Hailey) Wiebe, Courtney Starr, Chelsea (Kyle) Walters, Austin Starr, Damon McQueen, Alexis McQueen, Kiley Caliguri and Miranda Caliguri. In addition, his Great Grandchildren, Madelyn, William, Benjamin, Matilda, Gwendolyn, Jackson, Maxwell, Henry, Elizabeth, Amber, Katlyn, Margaret, Owen, Quinley, Clayton, Payton, Teddie, Ayla, Aiden T., Ava, CJ, Cambria, Stevie Jean, Aiden J., Arabella, Maverick, Jameson, Beau and Aurora. He is also survived by his sisters, Bernice Johnson, Edith Stageberg, Ida (Jim) Hagen, and JoAnn (Dale) Glass. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clarine Wick Kvamme, his grandsons, Brandon Starr and James Salisbury, sister, Marvel Smythe and several sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws. To quote our Dad in his final days “It’s been a good ride, kids”. A celebration of his life will be held at University Place Presbyterian - date to follow.
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