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Mike Potoshnik Obituary
Mike POTOSHNIK, Jr. Renton pioneer, Mike Potoshnik, Jr passed away on Oct 30, 2009. Mike was born on March 16, 1922 in a little house in downtown Renton to Mike and Angeline Potoshnik. The family operated Mike's Tavern and Shell Gas Station in the Renton Highlands. Mike graduated from Renton High School in 1940, continuing close friendships with his classmates. Mike married Elizabeth Chissus and they raised their family in their Kennydale home. Mike proudly served in World War II as part of the 133rd Naval Construction Battalion, 4th Marine Division (Seabees).He earned the Purple Heart February 23, 1945 on Iwo Jima. When Mike returned from the war, he worked at Pacific Car & Foundry, Meyers Oil Co before starting his own business, Mike Potoshnik Fuel Oil Co. His family was important, and his extended brothers were his softball teammates. Mike played fastpitch softball until the age of 50 for some of the best teams in the country, catching for the Renton Cowboy's, Federal Old Line and finally sponsoring Potoshnik -Dino's. In 1977 Mike was a proud inductee of the Pacific NW Softball Associated Hall of Fame. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Walt and Emery. On Oct 2nd Mike lost Bessie, his beloved wife of 67 years. Mike is survived by their children Ed (Linda) Potoshnik, Bobbie Lisa and Julie (Mike) Sumner, eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Visitation will be on Thursday November 5th at 12:00 - 7:00PM. Funeral services will be held Friday Nov 6th at 2:00PM, both at Greenwood Memorial Park 350 Monroe Ave NE, Renton. Remembrances may be made to the Renton Fire Dept or the Renton Historical Society. 
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Memories and Condolences
for Mike Potoshnik
Jerry & Sandra Hard
November 6, 2009
It was my pleasure to have known Mike and played softball with and for him. Mike had a fantastic memory. I think he could remember every pitch he called against each hitter and the outcome of every game. We are very sorry to hear of his passing and his wife, Beth. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family.
David Grim
November 6, 2009
I remember when I was a about 6 or 7 years old and I loved it when uncle Mike would come pulling up in his oil truck to our house in monterey terrace,He would always come in for toast and coffee.I still dunk my toast in my coffee to this day, the way he taught me. We'll miss ya The Grims
George Dull
November 5, 2009
So Sorry to hear about mike I played softball for him in renton Great guy I will miss him George Dull
November 4, 2009
We are very sorry to hear of Mike and Bessie's passing. Mike was a wonderful man and always had a smile on his face. My family was honored to have him as a pallbearer at our mom's (Aggie Elliott Clark) funeral 11 years ago. Mike and mom were classmates. I have a scrapbook that my mother made when she was 16 years old that has great articles of Mike and several other Rentonites and their days in their softball glory. You are in our thoughts.........
Sue and Mike Moeller
Larry & Kay Kyger
November 4, 2009
Julie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless all of you at this time and always.
Beth Ann Holmes-Perry
November 4, 2009
I am so sad to hear of Mike's passing. When Beth passed away, we all remembered how Mike came to our dad's funeral in his oil truck as well as any other person he knew that had passed away. I still live in Kennydale, in the house we grew up in on 35th, so I pass their house everyday. I will miss seeing them out & about. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bob and Dee Hughes, Mid 1980's
Ms Robin Dee Hughes
November 4, 2009
I want to extend my condolences to all of you for such losses are deeply felt & undescribable. I know my parents, Bob & Dee Hughes, would have wrtiten to you, and so I write on their behalf. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. Ms.Robin Dee Hughes, formerly of Renton.
Shelly Connor
November 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your families during this difficult time....
November 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
The Neilson Family
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