George (Geert) Klungel, age 91, of Bothell, Washington, died peacefully at his home on Friday morning, September 3, 2021. George was born Geert Klungel, the third child of Hendrik and Hilchien (Hilda) Klungel, on October 1, 1929 in Oostwold, Groningen province, the Netherlands. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Winerva (Ervie) Van Roekel Klungel; as well as his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jenni Monillas: Pedro and Rashell Monillas (Nate and fiancée Cortney Nelson, Caleb), Jonathan and Amara Monillas (Zion, Soliana, Gwendolyn); Hildred Klungel; Carmen and Rich Lodewyk: Kate and Cody Meiners, Georgia, Kayci; Diana and Barkley Garrett: Katie and fiancé Joe Plonski, Kyler, Chloe. He is also survived by his sisters, brother and brother-in-law: Clara Schilling, Diane Klungel, Bert Klungel, Ann Porter, and Bill de Graaff. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Grace de Graaff, his parents-in-law Ed and Jennie Van Roekel, his brothers-in-law Heinz Schilling and Woodson Porter, and his sister-in-law Ruth Klungel.
A Celebration of George’s life is planned for Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 11:00 am at Shoreline Christian Reformed Church – 14555 25th Avenue NE, Shoreline WA 98155.
Condolences may be sent to 107 164th Street SE Unit 1-102, Bothell, WA 98012.
Memorial donations may be made in George’s memory to ReFrame Ministries or Dordt University.
George’s journey included surviving the Hongerwinter (Hunger Winter) during the German occupation of World War II in (Voorschoten) the Netherlands. After the war, his family eventually was sponsored and granted access to immigrate to the United States in 1956. His career was focused in banking, ultimately employed as the Chief Bank Auditor for the State of Washington. Much more than his career path, his life held his loves. He met Ervie in 1961 and following a brief courtship, they wed in August 1962. He often remarked he could not believe how blessed he was to love her. Their four daughters’ various school activities (and Ervie’s role as teacher/librarian) led him to be involved in Watson Groen Christian School (now Shoreline Christian School), where George served on the Board, and volunteered for recess/playground duty. His community involvement continued in their church, First Christian Reformed Church of Seattle (now Shoreline Christian Reformed Church), where he served as an elder, is fondly remembered as ‘Grandpa George’ by the children he cared for in Coffee Break ministry, and greeted visitors and members before and after services. Other interests led to his association with the Back to God Hour (now ReFrame Ministries) as a Regional Representative, and serving as Treasurer for the Holland America Club of the Pacific Northwest for many years.
Love of family is a significant part of the legacy left by George. When his girls were young you could find them having Sunday dinners at his mom’s home as well as annual treks to the Midwest to visit Ervie’s side of the family. As the family expanded, George and Ervie included travel to their children’s and grandchildren’s homes in New Hampshire, Michigan, North Dakota, Illinois, and Indiana as part of their itinerary. George loved being able to cheer on his grandchildren at their sporting events and/or support them at musical concerts and church functions. As time allowed, George and Ervie also traveled back to Europe, spending time with family and friends in various countries.
George loved sports. He held the position of head usher for home football games at the University of Washington for many years. As a child he played soccer on the streets of his hometown (he always had to make sure the soccer balls didn’t end up in the deep ditches!). In his late teens and early adulthood, George was part of a regional soccer team and earned the reputation of being a good footballer. He was an avid soccer fan (Hup! Hup! Feyenoord!) and also played on community soccer teams well into his 60s. His children and grandchildren could always count on his presence and “coaching” with soccer in particular, but also regarding other sports. He loved swimming (he swam with his family at a community pool every Saturday night for years) and could often be found playing volleyball in the school gym every Wednesday night. One of the sports George and Ervie enjoyed from the beginning of their relationship was bowling, which was an activity in which they participated until 2017. A fun side note: George and Ervie’s first date was a hockey game in Seattle!
George has no formal middle name, but it should be ‘Hospitality’. He loved ALL people and interactions with them. The Klungel house was always open for hosting dinners, Bible Studies, Holland America Club gatherings, and numerous extended stay guests. Hundreds of individuals and families passed through the doors of their home.
George will especially be remembered for his faith and integrity.
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