Renate Liesel Hunt

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to so many passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 27, 2014 with her devoted daughters by her side. Renate Liesel was born in Mannheim, Germany on October 23, 1926. Renate's compassion and strength of character were forged by the crushing depression of the 20's and 30's, the rise of Nazi Germany, and horrors of World War II. From age 10 to 17, Renate and her father lived in a cable manufacturing factory in the industrial section of Mannheim. In spite of the challenges, Renate excelled in school and sports. After the war, she worked for the United States Army as a telephone operator because of her abilities to speak both German and English. One night while on duty, an MP with the US forces called her switchboard to ask for assistance. The young MP, Private George Hunt from Cache, Oklahoma, apparently became so enamored with her voice that he called back several days later and asked her for a date. Love bloomed and they were married several years later in Wurzburg, Germany. Renate became a military wife and mother of two energetic daughters, faithfully traveling with her husband as his duties took him to Vietnam, West Germany, and numerous army bases in the US. In 1968, George retired from the army and the family established their roots in Everett. In the early 1970's, Renate began her career with J.C. Penney's as a bookkeeper.She retired in 1986 and focused her considerable energy volunteering for non-profit agencies (NOAH and the American Cancer Society), working in her gardens, and bragging about her beloved grandchildren. She was an avid Seahawk, Mariner, Husky and yes, Cougar fan. Renate is survived by daughters, Margarete Litzinger and Dorothy Hunt Curtin; son-in-laws, Mark Litzinger and Gerald Curtin; her five grandchildren, Alex, Aaron and Andrew Litzinger, Kelsey and Daniel Curtin; and her adopted daughter, Maria; and granddaughter, Bianca. She is preceded in death by her soul mate and husband for over 50 years, George Leon Hunt. There will be a memorial service at Tahoma National Cemetery on Wednesday, April 2, at 10:15 a.m. We realize this is quite a commute for some so we will celebrate Renate's life following the services at Tampico Restaurant on 23rd Broadway from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you wish to make a donation in Renate's name she would be thrilled that you choose either NOAH or Red Cross Oso Mudslide Relief Fund.