Richard Van Wettering

RICHARD (DICK) VAN WETTERING (87) passed unexpectedly on May 5, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw. Richard, loving husband and father, was born May 30, 1935 in Inwood, Iowa, to parents Andrew and Cena Van Wettering.

Dick married his sweetheart Jeanette Zoet after they met at church in Iowa and before Dick joined the Army. They recently celebrated 67 years of marriage on April 20. After their two sons were born, they moved to Enumclaw in 1969 when Dick became a self-employed truck driver.

Dick served as a Corporal in the US Army (1958-1960) in Germany as a Gunner on a 105 Self Propelled Howitzer, and even shook hands with Elvis Presley while they were in the field together. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and a service medal for Marksman on M-1 Carbine.

Dick was a man of varied interests and was loyal to his church, family, and friends. He loved socializing over coffee with his friends on Thursday mornings at the Lee where they would all share stories.

Some of Dick’s strongest interests were following sports, especially the Seattle Mariners. He also participated in the Antique Tractor pulls, where he would show off his most precious 1954 Allis Chalmers WD45. Dick and Jeanette enjoyed traveling in their 5th wheel to the Midwest to see family in the fall and to Arizona for the winters which made for over twenty years of memorable road trips.

Dick will also be known for the pride that he had for his beautiful lawn, he kept it short and green and looking like a golf course. People would often stop and lean down to touch the grass to make sure that it wasn't astro turf; this made Dick smile and beam with pride.

Dick is survived by his wife Jeanette; their two sons Warren (Bekey) and Brad (Traie); his sister Lucy; his brother Harold (Joyce); as well as many loving family and friends.

Dick was concerned that his life span would be short as he lost many beloved family members who passed away at a young age. In their mid-forties, Dick and Jeanette made significant changes in their lifestyle in order to prioritize their health. Dick retired early to enjoy the family and friends that he loved. We are grateful that Dick enjoyed almost 88 years.

A service of remembrance will be held at Calvary Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 27, at 11am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the American Heart Association in honor of Dick.

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