Phil William Pielemeier

He was born to Philip William Herman Pielemeier and Edna Geraldine Pearson Pielemeier on August 12, 1925, in Spokane, WA. Phil graduated from Queen Anne High School, riveting aircraft at Boeing during his senior year.

He enlisted in the Navy after graduation and was sent to aviation ROTC training in North Dakota. After VJ Day, he spent the balance of his service on Guam. After his honorable discharge, Phil entered into a 38-year career with Bell Telephone in Seattle, remaining there until retiring in 1984.

He was married to Lorraine Fisher from 1947 until 1976. They had six children: Joanie, Jim, Jon, Jenni, Jerry, and Jeff, and raised them in a home that he designed and hand-built himself. Their property was in Issaquah and overlooked Lake Sammamish. The family raised vegetables and chickens and had a flock of sheep that numbered up to 20.

Outdoor activities were a major part of the family culture, largely because of Phil’s love and appreciation of hiking, camping, swimming, and canoeing. Family destinations included Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Wells Grey Park, the San Juans, and more. These trips remain a source of fond and strong memories for the children.

A creative, thoughtful, and precise man, Phil designed and built three homes, garages, a camper/RV, and many useful things for his family and parents. He did all of it with his trademark care and excellence.

He became a Christian in the late 1970s, attending to his new life with the same thoughtfulness and dedication he brought to everything he did. Daily devotions, prayer, and Bible study with friends became regular for him.

He married Arlene Zirk Hunt, a former teacher, and Boeing secretary, in 1980. They met at a Christian single fellowship. As expected by anyone who knew Phil, they traveled much. Their destinations included Hawaii, Wells Grey Park, Alaska, the Caribbean, and more. They traveled via RV, cruise ships, auto, and canoes. On at least two of the cruises, they were accompanied by Phil’s children and their spouses, at Phil’s insistence.

Phil and Arlene moved to Emerald Heights in 2010, where they enjoyed new friendships and activities. Phil developed an affinity for and skill in pool tournaments, becoming Champion in 2015-16.

Phil was disciplined and prudent in his efforts, time, and resources, loved his children and grandchildren, enjoyed entertaining family, and liked hosting a Bible Study with friends.

Arlene says: “We enjoyed one another’s companionship in our travels, and worked well together in having built two homes. What a blessing to have had 40 years being the best of friends”.

Phil is survived by his sister, Margery Hansen, also at Emerald Heights; his loving wife Arlene Pielemeier; his children, Joanie Swedberg, Jim Pielemeier, Jon Pielemeier, Jenni Brotnov, Jerry Pielemeier, and Jeff Pielemeier; 17 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. We look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.

Phil’s graveside service will be Friday, January 29th, at 1 p.m. It will be available via Livestream to the public via Cedar Lawns Memorial Park.

The link is: https://www.facebook.com/CedarLawns/

Phil had a passion for homeless men. To honor Phil, gifts may be sent to Seattle Union Gospel Mission, 3800 S. Othello St., Seattle, WA 98118 206-723-0767