Zeleke Kassahun

Zeleke Kassahun lived to learn. Never in a day of his seventy years of life went by without a curiosity that most lose as children. Everyday, every relationship, every experience was an opportunity to learn which could not go to waste. He understood that to love the world was to understand it. A lesson to us all that it is more important to try to understand the world, than to try to make it understand you.

Zeleke Kassahun never stopped giving. Whether it was a homeless man on the street, the barista making his coffee, or a family member or friend, his generosity was never restricted to anyone. To live was reason enough to give. Now he will continue to live through what he has given to the world.

Zeleke Kassahun gave life to his sons. He was a father of three children and son of God. Coming to America with nothing and leaving it with a legacy is unachievable without hard work. He worked hard when he could and even when he couldn’t. He was firm in his beliefs and always stood tall. As he lays in rest from his work his impact will remain.

Zeleke Kassahun will be honored with Mass at 6 am with Last Rites at 9 am at St. Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, 23010 84th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026, on August 23, 2026, with reception to follow. Burial will take place in Ethiopia at a later date.