Richard H. Gangstee

Richard Harlin Gangstee was born in Kossuth County, Iowa June 25, 1923, and died January 9, 2013. After graduating high school in 1941 he joined the CCC and was sent to Bremerton, Washington to work in the Navy Ship Yards for the duration of WWII. He then spent 38 years with the Boeing Co. retiring in 1986.

Richard and Shirley Bristol met briefly in Minnesota and were married in Seattle at Queen Anne Lutheran Church in 1943. Rich and Shirley were members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church for 17 years and, in 1962, rejoined Queen Anne Lutheran Church where they became regulars at the 8am service. They raised their two daughters, Jackie and Chris, on Queen Anne Hill at 1717 Fourth Ave.N.

After 62 years on Queen Anne Hill the family gathered to say a final goodbye to the House and they moved to Ida Culver House-Broadview.

Mom and Dad shared a passion for golf. They enjoyed many life long friendships. During their 65 year marriage, they were never apart. Shirley died in 2008, her "Rich" managed life without her for almost five years. He lived with his daughter, Chris for the last several months of his life.

Survived by their daughters Jacqueline Thomsen (Chris) and Christine Hendon; Rich and Shirley became Grandparents to five grandchildren (Jennifer Jones and Andrew Magera; and Laura Heber, Peter Johnson and Timothy Hendon). "Papa and Mimi" were thrilled to see 6 great grandchildren join the family. (Chloe Jones; Kristen and Ryann Heber; Phinnaeus and Payton Johnson; and Nikola and Natalia Hendon) Papa and Mimi have left a huge hole in our hearts.

There will be a memorial service held at Queen Anne Lutheran Church, 2400 8th Ave W at 11am Thursday, January 17th.