Jack Willis Wren

Jack Willis Wren passed May 4th, 2026, at the age of 88. He leaves behind a legacy as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Jack was born in Seattle, Washington on August 11th, 1937, to Russell Wren and Vivian Langford. He attended Roosevelt High School where he was a standout athlete including being an All-American High School basketball guard and varsity baseball player. Jack remained a lifelong athlete dedicating himself to coaching, umpiring and could often be found watching and discussing sports. His competitive spirit remained with him throughout his life whether it be in sports, cards, or other endeavors.

Following high school, he began his studies at the University of Washington, but he couldn’t get the neighbor girl, who he had become friends with, out of his mind. In his words, he would chase away all the other boys and pestered Karen until she would date him. Karen’s family had a soft spot for Jack, setting a spot for him at the dinner table nightly for years. They remained sweethearts attending every dance and school event together. They were engaged following Karen’s graduation and married on September 4, 1959.

Jack then enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Texas and Hawaii. Money was tight but it didn't bother them, they embraced the simple things in life like playing cards and spending time with friends. This simple frugal approach remained with them throughout their lives. Upon Jack’s discharge they returned to Seattle where he applied his aptitude for numbers to a career in accounting and finance with Sundstrand and Boeing. In retirement, Jack and Karen remained inseparable tackling new adventures such gambling, and Husky Football games. They joined the Volksmarch walking club and traveled to Germany and England. Additionally, he discovered a new talent: stock trading. Without ever touching a computer, he researched, tracked and managed his portfolio. With a grin, he would refer to it as his new “job” and in the process formed a genuine friendship with his financial advisor and her team. In 2016, after 57 years of marriage, Jack lost his beloved wife Karen, leaving a hole that never truly healed. He remained devoted to her and would often reminisce of their lives together.

Jack was very close to his daughter Angie, daughter-in-law Karrie and granddaughters Amy and Emily. He engaged in their lives with boundless love and joy, never missing a birthday or milestone. He beamed with pride at Amy's graduation from SDSU and was endlessly proud of Emily's studies at Western Washington University. This bond drove him to move closer to his family in Redmond. At Emerald Heights, he made friends playing in two pinochle groups and sharing conversations by the fireplace. The move also gave him the freedom to drop-in on his daughter and family for a quick visit and allowed them to become even closer in his final years.

Jack is survived by his daughter Angie, her wife Karrie, and his granddaughters Amy and Emily, his sister-in-law Linda May and her husband Steve, and brother-in-law Don Sprague. As well as by his daughter-in-law’s family with whom he shared many holidays and events.

The family draws comfort from the thought that Jack and Karen will be reunited. Jack was deeply loved and will be incredibly missed.