Kurt Axel Sjostrand

Kurt Axel Sjostrand died comfortably in his home in Aberdeen, WA on Monday, May 4th, 2015 of congenital heart failure at the age of 94 with his family, and loving wife of 40 years, by his side.

Kurt Axel Sjostrand was born April 4, 1921 as the son of Axel and Linnea Anna Sjostrand in the town of Gothenburg, Sweden. He, along with his older brother, Rolf, accompanied by their mother, began an adventure of a lifetime as they traveled to the United States aboard the Steamship "Drottningholm" arriving at Ellis Island at the Port of New York on March 18, 1930. They soon joined their father in Grays Harbor who had arrived earlier to the area and settled in the Wishkah Valley. This is where Kurt attended elementary school and learned to speak English. He attended Weatherwax High School until he joined the Military On December 1, 1942. It was during this time he became a Naturalized, US Citizen in a Naturalization Service in New Guinea, on September 2, 1944 He served in World War ll as a Technician, Fifth Grade, as a member of the Army Radio Corp. He was honorably discharged after 3 years of service on December 26th, 1945, having achieved the rank of Corporal. He then obtained his GED and went on to trade school in Tacoma to earn his Electricians Certificate.

In 1950 he married Barbara Nelson of Aberdeen, together they had 3 children. They divorced in 1965. On Veteran's Day, November 11, 1974 he, and Marjorie Ellen Keller, who he describes as "the love of his life" married in Reno, Nevada and began a journey that lasted 40 years. This journey blessed him with three additional stepson's, and a large loving family. Marjorie and Kurt have called the Harbor home for the rest of his days.

Kurt worked for 27 years as the City Electrician of Aberdeen, retiring in 1983. On June 3rd, with great pride, he was made an honorary member of the Aberdeen Fire Department. Kurt was also a honorary life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge # 593 of Aberdeen. After his retirement from the city, he enjoyed many years of golf at The Highlands Golf club where he, on three separate occasions, got a "hole in one" on the 6th hole. He also enjoyed fishing with his friends and grandchildren, with the Wishkah River being his favorite fishing hole. In the last several years he would enjoy meeting up with his poker buddies or driving to Eagle Creek Casino for a "quick game of cards".

Kurt was preceded in death by his three children; Larry, 2009, Terry, 2013, and Sheryl "Cookie", 1953, and by his Step Son Steven Keller, in 2009,. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Ellen, His Stepson's and their Wives, James and Claudia Keller of Snohomish, and David and Julie Keller of Richland, and his Daughter in Law's, Gail Keller (Steve) of Tumwater and Sandy Sjostrand (Larry) of Hoquiam, and his Niece, Lorene Rang of Lacey. He has 12 Grandchildren and 24 Great Grandchildren. This benevolent man is now off on what he described as he departed this world as "on the greatest adventure of all mankind”, He is wished eternal love. Save us a place, Kurt.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 4 pm at Fern Hill Funeral Home at 2208 Roosevelt Street, Aberdeen, WA. Family asks for memorials to be given to the Aberdeen Fire Department, 700 W. Market St., Aberdeen, WA 98520 or the Harbor's Home Health and Hospice, 201 Seventh St., Hoquiam, WA 98550.

A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.

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