Obituaries

Russell Noffke Dies at 93; Had 'Appreciation' for Art, Gardening and God

Noffke was a WWII Army veteran and former graphic illustrator for Boeing Co.

The following obituary has been reprinted, with permission, from Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary's website.

Russell Harvey Noffke was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 1919. He was the youngest of seven children. He departed this world for the world of our maker and Jesus Christ peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2013 with his family nearby just shy of his 94th birthday. 

Russell was married to Rachel Watkins on June 9, 1946. In this union they had five children. Diane (Noffke) Swoveland, husband Bill, Peter Noffke, wife Joann; Sheila (Noffke) Reyes husband Manuel; Andrew Noffke, (deceased) wife Linda; and Sylvia (Noffke) Dean, husband Larry. He also, had 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Rachel, preceded him in death in August of 1984. 

He was a WWII Army veteran. After the war was employed at International Harvester and from there he moved his family west to Seattle, WA to work as a Graphic Illustrator for the Boeing Co. During his lifetime he also worked as a longshoreman and later started a landscaping business with his youngest son, Andy. He was also a charter Member of Normandy Park UCC for 52 years.

He was also in the church choir for 30 years. His hobbies included gardening, painting and an appreciation for all creatures created by God. Some of his paintings were displayed in art shows such as the Seattle Frye Art Museum not to mention countless friends whom he thought enough of to give them away as a token of his appreciation for their friendship. Russ also enjoyed the world of competitive roller skating and was always there cheering on the competitors. 

In his declining years he spent his last four years with his daughter Sheila and her husband who cared for him so graciously. Thank you Sheila and Manuel. Caring for dad were the best years Sheila could have asked for. He revealed to her the vulnerability he had in his life and they worked through them to help him find peace.  Sheila is not sure why God blessed her with this honor but she would not have changed one day with dad. Sheila would like to thank the Lord for giving her the best dad a girl could have. Dad did so love living with you. You made his last years such memorable ones. 

The family takes comfort in knowing that dad/grandpa is now at peace with his God. When a lifetime is spent with someone always there, it leaves a void that is hard to comprehend the value of till its gone. Services and donations/contributions will be posted at a later date.

Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family


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