Eugene Matthes Elwanger

1936 - 2023

Eugene Matthes Elwanger
November 8, 1936 - December 31, 2022
Olympia, Washington - Gene passed away on December 31, 2022 from congestive heart failure. He was born November 8, 1936 to Walter John Elwanger and Elsie Katherine (Matthes) Elwanger in Seattle, Washington.
Gene married the love of his life Patricia Carol Western on November 24, 1972. The raised their 3 children, Karen, Jeff, and Jay, on the Elwanger & Sons Dairy Farm. In 1985 they moved to the "city", the blue house and 5 acres in Tumwater. They happily celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends on September 3, 2022!
He loved RVing and cruising with wife Pat. He generously gave his time to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, the Food Bank, First United Methodist Church and Olympia Junior Programs. He was a proud member of the American Legion.
Gene was well loved and will be missed by his wife Pat, daughter Karen (Scott) Kusel, son Jeffrey (Patty), sisters Leona Schulz and Elaine Heck, and brother David. He was preceded in death by son Jay (2016), brother John, and his parents Walter and Elsie. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren whom he dearly loved.
The family wishes to thank Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice for their loving care and especially Dr. Noeru Okamura, nurses Jen and Jeewon, and PT Sophia for caring so much for so long for Gene's wellbeing. His memorial service is January 28, 2:00 PM, at First United Methodist Church of Olympia. Family encourages you to bring/wear a red bandana. Donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Olympia.