Joreen Echert
October 11, 1919 - October 6, 2017
Obituary
Joreen Echert
Joreen Echert, age 97, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2017 at Gentle Care Family Home. She was born October 11, 1919 to Marie and Kliff Skrondal in Mount Vernon WA. She grew up with her sister Margory (Tiny) and family in Des Moines WA, where her parents owned the General Store. Joreen married Bill Echert on August 30, 1945. She graduated with a BA from the University of Washington in 1948. While at UW, Joreen joined the AOPi sorority. This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with the 1940’s ladies of AOPi who continued to meet monthly for 60 plus years.
Bill joined the Air Force in 1952 and for the next 25 years their growing family enjoyed living in Texas, England, Nebraska, Japan, and California before returning to Des Moines, where they built a home on Puget Sound. One of Joreen’s favorite pastimes was walking along her beach in search of agates. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran church. Joreen was an avid collector of thimbles, elephant figurines, gems, beads, and also a very talented artist.
Joreen was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Bill, son Jim, grandson Ryan, and her sister Tiny.
Joreen is survived by sons Bill and Skip, daughter Kristine, grandchildren Julie Horng, James Echert, Taryn Echert, Kristoffer Echert, Travis Echert, great-grandchildren Sophie, Claire, Jack and Sequoia.
Memorial service will be held on October 13, 2017 at 2 PM at Grace Lutheran church, 22975 24th Ave S., Des Moines, WA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Lewy Body Dementia Association http://www.lbda.org/