Gregory John Garske Sr.

Gregory John GARSKE, Sr. Born in Bend, Oregon, October 8, 1917, the oldest of 7 children. Greg started work at the age of 9; doing man's work-helping the ranch hands on the family homestead. He loved to recite poems memorized while attending a one-room schoolhouse. In high school, he played football and wrestled-continuing as an amateur wrestler in his 20s. It was while attending O'Dea High School that he began his 65 year career as a butcher, working as a meat cutter in Pike Place Market. Eventually owning his own butcher shop, Greg was well known for his homemade sausage, premium meats, and for his service and dedication to his customers. His pastimes included ballroom dancing (often rolling up the rug at the family home), cards and checkers. Greg and Ione raised 8 children who followed his example as entrepreneurs. When asked how he managed this big family, he would say, "It was easy. Just put another plate on the table." Working to fill those plates and fulfilling his responsibility as a loving husband and father was his purpose in life. He shall be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by Ione, his wife of 43 years and son, Jerry. He is survived by his children: Mary (Larry) Lassila, John, Pat Campbell (Tom Nielsen), Carol Volpe, Kathy Roumeliotis, Greg, Jr. (Nancy), Tony (Roxie), 22 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Sisters: Mary Dolan, Helen Dickinson, and Marguerite (Albert) Perri, and Brother Fritz and loving companion, Lois McAuliffe. Memorial Service, Saturday, July 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Beck's Funeral Home, Edmonds. Internment following at Holyrood Cemetery.