Eugene “Ike” Wangler, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 4th, 2018 surrounded by his family. Ike was born on July 9th, 1933 to Heron and Matilda Wangler in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he was one of five children. After moving to Yakima, WA as a young child, he attended Marquette High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. One of Ike’s most memorable moments was serving his country aboard the USS Laertes (AR-20). Upon returning from the service, Ike met his future wife Patricia L. Taft, whom he later married on February 10th, 1961. Together they raised three beautiful girls.
As a family they enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, camping, and traveling cross county in the car on many family vacations. They later purchased property at Blue Lake where they spent many weekends together. Ike treasured his time at the lake where he was well known and loved by many of his neighbors. Some of his fondest memories were fishing with his family and friends and pulling his daughters around the lake while they water-skied. Family was a very important aspect of Ike’s life. He cherished the time that he spent with his wife, daughters, and son-in-laws. In his later years, his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-grandson. He took great pride in all their accomplishments.
Ike was employed with the Country Store in Yakima for over 20 years before moving to the Yakima Country Road Maintenance Department for another 20 years before retiring. Throughout his life he was known as a jack of all trades fixing anything anyone needed help with. He also enjoyed being able to pass on his knowledge to his daughters and son-in-laws. Before his daughters were allowed to drive, Ike made sure they knew how to change their oil, tires, and properly detail their cars.
Ike is survived by his wife of 57 years Patricia L. Wangler; his three daughters Cindy (Russ) Melcher, Ilene (Bruce) Thomson, and Chris (Kelly) Sullivan; his brothers Paul Wangler and Bill Wangler; his grandchildren Brett (Chandra) Gordon, Brad Gordon, Jon Thomson, Nick Thomson, Kaitlin (Austin) Hummel, and Kendal Sullivan; and his great-grandson Jackson Gordon. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen Duffy and brother Edward Wangler.
A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, March 8th, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Keith & Keith Funeral Home.
