Walter W. DODEL Beloved husband, adored father and decorated WWII Veteran, Walter W. Dodel age 88, passed away peacefully with his daughter at his side on December 11, 2009 in Sequim. Walter was born December 7, 1921 to Arnold and Ruth Asker Dodel in Grangeville, Idaho, where he spent his early years.
The family later moved to Lewiston where Walter graduated from high school, then joined the Idaho National Guard and later became a First Lieutenant in the 2nd Armored Division. While bravely serving his country in the war, he was badly wounded in France. While recuperating from his war injuries, he was reintroduced to and married the love of his life, Cleo Sipes on July 1, 1945.
Walt then graduated from the University of Idaho and moved the family to Seattle where he worked for Boeing as an Engineer and belonged to the Sand Point Golf and Country Club for many years. Walt was an amazing golfer, achieving 3 "holes in one" during his lifetime. Cleo and Walter returned to Clarkston in retirement where Walt happily pursued his lifelong passions of fishing, gardening and golf. Later they relocated to Sequim to be near their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Walt was always happy and content in any situation and loved to whistle all the time. He could always tell a good story and had a great sense of humor. His quick wit never disappointed and always got a roaring laugh. Even in his last year when he couldn't articulate as in days gone by, he could still get a word or two out that would make us all laugh. He never gave up.
His gentle spirit and strong character will be deeply missed by all of us, a beacon for us to live by. And his warm, loving smile will continue to shine brightly in our hearts and memories.
He will be greatly missed by Cleo, his wife, son Craig (Claudia) and daughter Susan as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold & Ruth and siblings, Ada, Irene, Luella, William and Richard.
The Dodel Family would like to especially thank Dungeness Courte of Sequim for the loving and compassionate care they embraced Walter with during his last two years.
Remembrances made to the Alzheimer's Association are greatly appreciated.
Walt would've liked those who knew and loved him to have a private dinner together at your leisure, remember him with your favorite stories and raise a glass and toast him a grand farewell.
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