Gene Assink

Gene Assink, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, June 4, 2016 in Yakima, WA. He was born one of seven children to John and Dena (Zeutenhorst) Assink on May 20, 1928 in Yakima, WA.

He married the love of his life Dorothy Zielke on June 29, 1949 and together they raised six children. Gene spent most of his working life farming in the Moxee area doing everything from running a small dairy to raising field crops and cattle. He took a short break from farming to work as a field officer for PCA but realized farming was his passion so he returned to farming and started a custom hay service with son Dennis. Later in life he went to work for the East Valley School District as the transportation supervisor from which he retired in 1990. After retiring from the school district he worked part time for People for People.

Retirement to Gene meant he had unlimited time to help others. He volunteered countless hours for Habitat for Humanity and Volunteer Chore service which he continued to do until his health forced him to stop shortly before his death. Gene was also very dedicated throughout his life to the East Valley Reformed Church where he taught Sunday school and held many positions over the years.

Gene was an outgoing, supportive, friendly and kind man who never met a stranger. At church, Gene was the first to arrive and the last to leave. He also loved to escape to his shop to make wooden treasures for people, especially his famous wooden rocking horses.

Gene is survived by his daughters Diana Kelly and Lavone (Bruce) Browning; sons Dennis (Bonnie) Assink, Leon (Kathy) Assink, Owen (Alicia) Assink and Greg (Robin) Assink; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Dorothy, four brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 2 pm to 6 pm on Sunday, June 12th at Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

A celebration of his life will held at 10 am, Monday, June 13th at the East Valley Reformed Church, 7203 Mieras Rd., Yakima, WA 98901.

Memorial contributions in honor of Gene can be sent to either Habitat for Humanity and/or Volunteer Chore Service in c/o Keith & Keith.

To share memories of Gene please visit www.keithandkeith.com.