Reuben August Gunst

1920 - 2018

Reuben August Gunst

Reuben August Gunst, age 98, passed away at home on 9-11- 2018.

He was born in Goodrich, North Dakota on April 18, 1920 to August and Emelia Gunst who immigrated from Russia in 1906. In 1923, when Reuben was 3 years old he moved with his family to Portland, Oregon. He was one of eight children. Reuben attended Benson Polytechnic High /Trade school. In April 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Apprentice Seaman.

On May 8th, 1943 he married Edith Viola Magnuson from Redmond, Washington. They were married for 60 years until her death in January 2003. After Reuben was discharged from the

Navy in 1945, he worked as a tile setter and then later started his own construction company and built many custom and spec homes in Lake Forest Park. He took great pride in his workmanship.

Reuben was an avid golfer all his life. He was also a wonderful dancer and always striving to learn new steps or a new dance. From 2003 until 2018 he could be found at Edmonds or Everett Senior Centers looking for good music and a chance to dance. He was an active member of the Shoreline senior group called Pacesetters. While Reuben was in his 80's and 90's he traveled the world on cruise ships where he had a chance to dance, learn about different cultures and meet interesting people. Reuben loved to be active and he enjoyed good health most of his long life. Right to the very end, his mind was sharp and wanted to keep going but his body said no. He was a man of integrity, fortitude, and he had a strong work ethic. He was "last man standing" in his family.

He is survived by his beloved partner, Georgia Duncan; his children, Merrilee (Bill) McCarthy, Cheryl Hilbert, Marsha (Dave) Ederer, Laura Hicks, Clayton (Brooke) Gunst. He is also survived by grandchildren; Michael Rush, Jennifer Badley, Andrea (Matt) Rivera, Conor (Kathryn) Heathcote, Alicia (Ben) Reinhard, Merrilyn Gunst, and great grandchildren Christopher and Isabel Rivera, and Lucas and Sophia Heathcote.

A Celebration of life will

be held on September 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the

Acacia Memorial Park

14951 Bothell Way N.E. Seattle. A Military Honors Ceremony will be held at 2:00PM at Cedar Lawns Memorial Park located at 7200 180th Avenue N.E. Redmond, Washington.