Paul O Broten

At the age of 91, our dear friend, Paul Broten has hung up his golf clubs and retired his

fishing pole. Paul passed away on Monday, July 22, 2013 at Kennewick General

Hospital, Kennewick, WA surrounded by many friends. Paul's life began July 2, 1922 in

Jamestown, NO. There he was raised and educated, graduating from Jamestown HS in

1940.

From August 1940 - November 1945 Paul served in the U.S. Coastguard as a radio

operator. During his military assignment in Seattle he met his future wife Jessie

Rosalie Hessler at the Trianon Ballroom. They were married on August 24, 1943 at the

Pinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle.

Paul went to work in the telephone industry in 1946. Later he joined the Pacific NW Bell

Co. working in supervision at the main office in downtown Seattle. Since their home was

on Bainbridge Island his daily ride to work was on the Winslow ferry. He retired in

February 1979. After retirement he and Jessie toured the U.S. with their trailer. Their

next adventure was as snowbirds wintering in Mesa, AZ for many years.

His interests included: dancing, playing cards, golfing, bowling, fishing, photography,

boating and RV-ing. Paul, with Jessie's help, built a 25' inboard cabin cruiser. He had a

real zest for life making friends where ever he went.

He was active in and past president of The Telephone Pioneers of America in Seattle

and a member of the following organizations. Sons of Norway, Masons, life member of

the Elks, Yakima Elks G & CC and the USGA.

Paul was preceded in death by his Norwegian emigrant parents, Ole O. Broten and

Jennie A. (Grasto) Broten, brother Norman H. Broten and his beloved wife and soulmate

of 64 years, Jessie.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Char Broten, Jamestown, NO; nieces Norma Broten

and Katherine Broten; Vail, CO; Marcia Smith, Meridian, 10; Rosalie Brummett, Salem,

OR; nephews Ed Hessler, Yakima, WA; Harold Hessler, Salt Lake City, UT; Walt

Hessler, Dayton, WA. He also leaves behind his very special friend and companion,

Dorothy Wik.

At Paul's request their will be no service. His ashes will be inurned with his wife's at the

Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Kent,WA. Remembrances may be made to the Fred

Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, The Alzheimer's Association or the

charity of your choice.

He would like to thank the staff and residence at The Manor at Canyon Lakes for their

support and friendship these past years. "UFFda" and may God be with you PO.

Keith & Keith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory of Paul visit, www.keithandkeith.com