Dennis Gene Shoemaker

Date of Birth: August 29, 1945

Place of Birth: Allentown, Pennsylvania

Parent's names: Raymond George Shoemaker, Edna Grace Lindenmuth

Date of Death: August 31, 2025

City and State of Death: Olympia, Washington

Service Date and time: October 1, 2025 at 11:45am

Location: Saint Michael Church, 1208 11th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501

Dennis was a resident of Tumwater since 1972.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Carol and Bonnie, brothers Donald and David and his step daughter Lisa Pearson.

Dennis is survived by his wife Linda (Cross) Shoemaker of 43 years, daughters Denise Shoemaker Ikerd (Lance), Jenni Shoemaker Cowsert (Sage), stepson William "Brian" Pearson Jr, Grandsons Jordan Ikerd (Brienna), Steven Pearson, Taz Ikerd (Angel), Justin Pearson, Brayden Cowsert and Riley Cowsert. Also great-grandchildren Parker Ikerd, Aria Ikerd, Grace Ikerd, Able Ikerd, Maddox Ikerd and Able Ikerd. Brother Douglas Shoemaker (Jacquelyn) and sisters Sylvia Ross and Joan Willey, numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Dennis grew up in Allentown Pennsylvania, the 6th of 8 children. He enlisted in the Army in October of 1962 at the age of 17 and received an honorable discharge in December of 1969. During his military service he received training as a Licensed Practical Nurse and continued nursing at Providence St. Peter Hospital. In 1972, he took his new accounting degree to work at the Washington State Department of Trade and Economic Development. He worked for the same department until his retirement in 1997.

Dennis used his new found time to volunteer at Senior Services for South Sound. Dennis was elected to the non profit board and was already taking on leadership positions. In the 25 years that he served on the Board he held all of the officer positions, some for more than one term. He also worked hard on many of the agency's committees: Finance, Personnel, Planning and Fundraising. The job he truly embraced was leadership for the Fundraising Committee. In the late 90s, Senior Services was struggling to find its one big event after a Fall Auction had taken place and had raised a little under $8,000. When Dennis started on the Auction Committee, he took the leadership on procurement and expanded the donations each year, raising the total event profits to over $100,000!

Dennis also spent time at the Olympia Senior Center and helped the members organize a Wellness Committee. Together with his leadership, they instituted Enhanced Fitness programs, Healthy Eating cooking classes and Health and Wellness Fairs for the membership. With all of his hard work and help, the agency matured to become a much more stable non-profit serving Thurston and Mason Counties.

American Cancer Society Relay For Life was another of Dennis' volunteer commitments. NCIS (No Cancer in Sight) is a small family and friends team with a drive to help fund cancer research. Dennis was the donation collector at Bunco parties, car washes, giant garage sales and the annual Relay For Life event.

Dennis was a dedicated and committed husband and father. His role of grandfather (Pappy) to his six grandsons and six great-grandchildren was the most rewarding role in his life and filled him with constant joy and contentment.

Dennis was a member of St. Michael Parish.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that Memorial Donations be made to Senior Services for South Sound, 222 North Columbia, Olympia, WA 98501 or American Cancer Society Relay For Life team NCIS: No Cancer in Sight c/o Linda Shoemaker.