On the eve of Father’s Day, 2022, Larry went peacefully home to meet his Heavenly Father. He was born Lawrence Norman Schinke on July 16, 1935, to Norman and Mildred DeMars Schinke near Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He moved to Seattle when he was twelve and attended Franklin High School in his teens. In 1953, his Senior year, he had an experience that changed his entire life. While cross-country skiing with two of his dear friends in the back country of the Cascades, the boys were engulfed by a sudden avalanche. Larry and one of his friends were totally buried and the third was able to run four miles back for help. Larry was found alive after ten hours, but the other young man tragically did not survive.
Larry went on to the University of Washington and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. While at the university, he met and married the love of his life, Arleen Patricelli in 1957. Larry had been enrolled in ROTC throughout college, so he and Arleen were quickly sent to Loring Air Force Base in Northern Maine, and it was there they welcomed their son. They returned to Seattle after two years to a job with The Boeing Company and eventually added two daughters to their family. Larry worked at Boeing his entire career and was very proud of what he was able to accomplish in his 36 years with the company. Larry enjoyed people, hiking, skiing hunting, fishing, and everything the Pacific Northwest had to offer, and introduced his children and their friends to all there was to see and do. In 1986, he and Arleen purchased a unique vacation home on the shores of Quilcene Bay in Quilcene, WA. They spent many hours finishing the interior together and 30 years enjoying the community and all the gifts of nature the location provided. That’s when he also grew to love boating, shrimping, crabbing, clamming, oysters and relaxing with a glass of wine, good friends and family.
Larry never met a stranger. He could join a group of people and know their histories by the end of the evening. He was always willing to help where he was needed. When Arleen and her employer, a nephrologist, made the decision to take on opening the first independent kidney dialysis center in the Seattle area’s south end, Larry jumped in with both feet to join leaders in the community and open the Mt. Rainier Kidney Center. He eventually even moved to chair a Board at the Northwest Kidney Centers after that facility acquired the independent Center. He was always busy, even after retirement, either in Quilcene or anywhere he could enjoy his favorite activities with friends and family. That was his true joy! He also supported Arleen in all her endeavors, including breeding and showing cats, and later, her return to the equine world which had always been her first love. They traveled first to cat shows, then to horse shows. Larry continued to enjoy a life filled with his favorite activities for as long as he was able. He and Arleen also enjoyed some wonderful trips over the years with Hawaii and Italy being two of their favorites. He adored his family and they loved him as deeply. He will be dearly missed, but the memories will remain always.
A telling insight to Larry can be found in his answer to a written inquiry and his response. The question: “Who inspires you?’ His written response: “First, my wife Arleen, and her knowledge of medicine, the computer, plants, flowers, animals, children, etc. Second, my three children, who have become so good with their lives, including work, family, etc. They are especially good to me as I age. Third, my Pastor at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church for his steadfast faith and the help that he has given me. Fourth, my friend Dr. Ed Almquist, with whom I grew up, for saving my life after an avalanche, and his many medical accomplishments and help for so many in need. Fifth, Deane Cruze, for mentoring me at The Boeing Company, which helped me advance and afford a good life for my whole family.” Pure Larry.
Larry is survived by Arleen, his wife of over 64 years, three children; Jay Schinke (Carol), Lauren Schinke Adams (Kurt), Kathryn Schinke Favro (Paul), seven grandchildren; Christopher Schinke (Joanna), Ellyn Schinke, Michael Adams (Emily), Katie Adams Fletcher (Emily), Ryan Adams (Erica), Kristen Favro Morgan (Chance), Leah Favro; nine great-grandsons and another due soon. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and other members of the extended family into which he married, as well as additional close relatives in Minnesota.
The family wishes to extend its gratitude to the wonderful caregivers and staff at Village Concepts of Fairwood Memory Care, who gave Larry their energy and affectionate care. Our thanks also go out to Continuum Hospice for the special time and attention they devoted to making his last weeks easier for him and for those who loved him. Finally, our deepest gratitude to God and Dr. Ed Almquist for saving Larry’s life so many years ago. Without you Ed, this would be a blank page.
There will be a private inurnment. Services in celebration of Larry’s life will take place later in the summer, the date yet to be determined. Friends and family will be notified. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to the Northwest Kidney Centers or your favorite charity.
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