Raymond Valentine Krokenes

We lost an angel the morning of March 25th, 2014. Raymond Valentine Krokenes was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma, Washington on July 20th, 1940 to Norwegian immigrants Valentin Krokenes and Magdalena Haug Krokenes. Ray grew up and attended schools in the North End of Tacoma. He was a part of the first graduating class at Wilson High School in 1959. After serving in the reserves during high school, he entered the Navy after graduating. He joined the Navy with hopes of traveling and seeing the world. He ended up stationed at Bremerton Naval Base in Bremerton, Washington. It must have been meant to be for in December 1960, he met the love his life, Donna McClellan. On April 21st, 1962 he married his soul mate and they began their journey in life together. In 1963, while still in the Navy and stationed on a ship in San Diego, California, his son Mark was born. Two years later, in 1965, while working at Boeing, his daughter Keri was born. After raising his family in Tacoma, Washington, he retired from Bufflin Woodworking after 33 years of hard work. The last few years Ray has battled health issues but was strong and never once complained. He was preceded in death by his parents Valentin Krokenes and Magdalena Haug Krokenes; his older sister Malfred Krokenes; and his older brother Walter Krokenes. He leaves behind to mourn his passage his loving wife of 52 years, Donna; his younger brother, Kim Krokenes; his son, Mark Krokenes (Dana); his daughter, Keri Krokenes-Williams (David); and his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Brittni Krokenes Olivero (Kyle) and Austin Williams. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, March 29th.