Wilhelm Qvigstad

Wilhelm Qvigstad, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 13, 2006 in Seattle, Washington. He suffered a massive, debilitating stroke December 18, 2005, and spent 117 days in a state of paralysis, unable to communicate except by a blink of an eye. His courageous struggle to survive demonstrated his character as a man of patience, strength and dignity.

Wilhelm was born on April 1, 1934 in Narvik, Norway, where he lived through high school. He served in the Norwegian military, achieving the rank of 2nd lieutenant at the Air Force Command base in Stavern, Norway, in 1956. He then attended Otto Treiders Business School in Oslo, Norway.

Returning to Narvik in 1958, he married Kirsten D. Aasvik, and the couple immigrated to the United States later that year. Wilhelm attended the University of Washington Business School, graduating with a degree in accounting in 1963. Wilhelm and Kirsten made the Seattle area their home, gaining U.S. Citizenship in 1965.

He worked as Accountant, Controller and Vice President of Finance and Administration at MWK Engineers/Wyatt Engineers until 1990. During this period he traveled extensively to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and other countries. For the past 15 years, he was self-employed, providing accounting and financial services.

Active in the Scandinavian community, Wilhelm served as president of Nordlandslaget Femboring, Westkystens Nordlandslag, and Sons of Norway Lodge #1. He served on the advisory board of the University of Washington?s Scandinavian Department. He was involved in many other service and community organizations.

Wilhelm enjoyed singing, a member of the Narvik Guttekor in Norway as a young boy. He joined the Norwegian Male Chorus in the fall of 1958 when he first arrived in Seattle, and had recently rejoined the choir. Other activities included skiing, golfing, and sharing good times with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kirsten D. Qvigstad, of 48 years, his son Nils Qvigstad Joan of Poulsbo, daughter Kari Qvigstad Jeff Fishel of Olympia, and daughter Tina Marie Qvigstad Stryker Joseph of Edmonds. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Karl, Kory, Gabriel, AnnElise, and Joseph; and three sisters: Stine Nilsson Sweden, Randi Jenvin Norway and Inger Nilssen Norway and many cousins in Norway.

Visitations will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 18, from noon to 8pm.

Funeral services will be held at Greenlake SDA Church at 6350 E. Green Lake Way N. Seattle, at 11am, Wednesday, April 19, with graveside service following at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery.

A celebration of Wilhelm?s life will be held at Leif Erickson Lodge, 2245 NW 57th Street in Ballard from 1:30 to 3:30 pm on Wednesday, April 19.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sons of Norway Lodge #1, Scholarship Fund, or the Nordic Heritage Museum.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, Seattle at 206-362-5200.

My Beloved Husband

He is tall and handsome

and distinguished looking.

He has integrity and pride.

He is strong and persevering,

much like a tree.

His roots are grounded

deep into the earth.

He is a shelter and a stronghold

they can lean on.

His patience and his dedication

has helped them all.

She thanks her God

for this extraordinary man,

the father of her children

and her devoted husband.

Kirsten Qvigstad

March 2002