Thomas Kirkelie's Obituary
Thomas C. Kirkelie, a kind and loving husband, father, and friend, born March 19th 1930 in Bowbells ND, went to be with the Lord on October 15th 2018. Tom was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clarence and Vera (Marks) Kirkelie, and his sister Audrey (Last name??). He is survived by his loving wife Mary, sister Alice Ganskop, daughters Dixie Wells (Ken), Deborah Tremper (Del), grandchildren Kenny Wells (Sarah), Katie Severson (Bill), Jordan Tremper (Kayla), and 5 great grandchildren.
Tom graduated from Bowbells High School. He served in the Air Force from December 29th 1948 to September 2nd 1952. He was stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma where he reconnected with Mary, a family friend at that time, who was attending Pacific Lutheran University. Tom and Mary married September 29th 1951 in Sunnyside, WA. After his service in the military he worked as a truck driver for Seldens and later Global Van Lines. In his later working years he opened TNB RV repair with two business partners. After retirement he and Mary worked weekends at Fred Meyer handing out samples for “jingle money”.
In their younger years, Tom and Mary enjoyed square dancing and later spent many weekends camping with friends and family. In their retirement they enjoyed a number of cruises to places such as Alaska, Hawaii, and through the Panama Canal. Tom got some of his greatest joy through woodworking. He created many works of art with his trusty scroll saw including a variety of animals, written poems, Christmas ornaments, and crosses. He made hundreds of crosses that he loved to share with people by donating and giving them as gifts.
Services will be held on Monday October 22nd at Mountain View Funeral Home in the Aspen Chapel at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 at 11:00am. Graveside service to be held at 12:30. Reception to follow in the fellowship hall at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 720 W Main, Puyallup, WA 98371.
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