Obituaries
Sunday, March 31, 2002

Jeff Larsen
Jeff Larsen, 49, lost a valiant battle against cancer on March 27, 2002. He was born February 6, 1953 in Seattle, Wash. Jeff is survived by his life partner, Joni Chaboneau; Mary and Bob Comstock; his mother, Jacquelyn Larsen; and his brother, Timothy Larsen; his aunt, Mrs. William (Ruth) Veenhuizen; his uncles, James Hixon and George Hixon; his aunt, Mrs. Carol Olivotti and Mrs. Geraldine Taylor, Laurits Larsen and his aunt, Harriet Clayton; a very special cousin to Jeff, was Mrs. Cynthia Hickman. Jeff is also survived by other cousins. Jeff worked as a professional lobbyist for 30 years in the Washington State legislature. He was respected by his clients, state legislators, his colleagues, and legislative staff for his dedication and integrity. Jeff loved politics and the political process. He greatly influenced public policy during his career as an advocate for health- care, adult daycare providers, persons with developmental disabilities, and the deaf and blind community. Jeff, an avid sportsman, loved the outdoors. He spent his spare time hunting, fishing, and camping. Jeff loved the wilderness. Jeff will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his friends, and his "best" friend, his dog Morgan. Jeff's family would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to his loyal and trusted friends and colleagues that stood by steadfastly throughout Jeff's courageous battle with cancer. Their support has been a haven and a comfort to Jeff and his family. Also appreciated is the staff of Apria Health Care, Gentiva Health Services, and Aetna Health Care. The family would also like to acknowledge the professionalism and compassion of Virginia Mason Hospital's medical staff.
A memorial service will be held for Jeff on April 3rd, at 2:00 p.m., at the Lacey Community Center at Woodlawn Creek Community Oark, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate remembrances be made to Medic One, 301 2nd South, Seattle, Wash. 98104, or a charity of your choice.

John Lee Wilson
On March 27th, 2002, at 10:26 a.m., John Lee Wilson, beloved husband of Alicia Wilson; father of Dina Koehn, George Wilson, and Rachel Armstrong; and brother to Jim and Chuck Wilson and Jean-Carol Gorman, went home to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, whom he has loved and faithfully served for 31 years. His life was an exemplary one of love to all who knew him. His passions included serving at Capital Christian Center, always sharing with others the hope he found in Jesus, and introducing them to the savior he loved so much. He loved spending time with his family which included nine grandchildren: Johnathan, Justin, and Jalisa Koehn, Cody and Christopher Wilson, Samantha, Brycen, Jessie, and Josie Armstrong. He enjoyed dates with his granddaughters and fishing with all his grandchildren, who were a very dear part of his life. The deposit he made into their lives will live on. He was also very committed to and loved as sons the two men his daughters chose for life partners, Eric Koehn and Kelly Armstrong. He also passionately loved hunting, fishing, and all of Gods creation. He will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he touched. There will be a memorial service at Capital Christian Center, 819 Olympia Ave. NE, Olympia. on Saturday, April 6th, 11am. The family will receive guests at a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Capital Christian Center in the memory of John Wilson.

Marie M. Johnson
Marie Johnson, 98, went to be with her husband, Chauncey, on March 26, 2002. They would have been married 81 years April 9th. Marie was born in Olympia. She and Chauncey lived in Olympia until 1945. They moved to Tacoma in 1945 where Chauncey was associated with Puget Sound Plywood until his retirement in 1970. They then returned to Olympia in 1972. Marie lived in the Firs Retirement Apts. for the past 8 years and has many loving friends there. They have one son, Donald and his wife, Gail, who live in Tacoma. They also have many other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 2nd, 1pm, in Evergreen Chapel at New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Rd., Tacoma. 253-564-1311.
Jacqueline Holt Vandeman
Jacqueline Holt Vandeman died peacefully at home March 21, 2002, under the care of her husband and Hospice, and with support from many friends. Jacqueline Vandeman was a truly self-made nurse, scholar, teacher, and community activist. She put herself through nursing school at the University of Colorado in Denver with scholarships and hard work. She worked two years in the newborn nursery at Queen's Hospital in Honolulu, then back to Denver teaching child nursing; next to the University of Washington in Seattle for her Masters in child development. Then on to Iowa where she supervised a University day- care center; next was the University of Pittsburgh for a PHD; and last to the University of Washington as Professor in the School of Nursing.
On invitation to dinner at the home of a friend in Olympia, she met and later married pediatrician Philip Vandeman whom she introduced to the adventures of world travel. She commuted four days a week for eleven years to the University of Washington from Olympia teaching and supervising the Nurse Practitioner program. At home in Olympia, she served on the board of Planned Parenthood, the Medical Center Council of Group Health Cooperative, and on the Board of Directors of First Community Bank. Among her friends, Jackie was known for her wit an intolerance for prolonged meetings.
Services will be held Friday, April 19th, 1:30pm, at Unitarian Universalist Church in Olympia, 2200 East End St.
Evelyn Hedrick
Evelyn (Evy) Hedrick, 73, loving wife and mother passed peacefully on March 29, 2002. She was born October 31, 1928 in Langley, Washington. Evy is survived by Al, her husband of 48 years; daughters, Karen (Michael) McDonald, Susan Clevens, and Cheri (Tod) Meredith; sons Michael (Bobbie) Hedrick and Gregory (Cheryl) Hedrick. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous other relations and friends.
Evy graduated from Lake Stevens High School in 1946, where she was a cheerleader. She loved traveling, fishing, crocheting and shopping. Evy is remembered for her unconditional love and generosity by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation is Monday April 1, 2002, 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday April 2, 1:00p.m. at Olympic Memorial Gardens Chapel, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, Wash. 360-352-4324. Graveside services will be at 2:00p.m. at Olympic Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will gather following the services at Alonda Villa Clubhouse, 1300 Alonda Lane NE, Olympia, Wash, adjacent to the family home.
Bernard Grant Tresner
Bernard Grant Tresner, 87, died of cancer on Tuesday, March 26, 2002. He was born August 17, 1914 to Dale and Mabel (Ferris) Tresner in Sedro Wooley, Wash. Bernard served in the U.S. Navy Seabees during WWII. He was an owner/operator of an auto trim business. He married Marie (Ornes) Tresner. Bernard was a member of Tacoma Rotary #8; he was a talented craftsman who enjoyed boating and the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Marie Tresner of Gig Harbor; son, Bernard Tresner, Jr. of Gig Harbor; daughter, Jeanne Blaka of Nevada City, Calif.; brother, Elwood Tresner of LaConnor, Wash.; sisters, Janice Duncan of Gig Harbor and Noreen Pehle of Peoria, Ariz.; and 3 grandchildren. A memorial will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2002, 10:30 a.m. at Peninsula Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.
The Olympian Copyright 2002
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