John William Sundberg

John (Bill) William Sundberg passed away at home on January 11, 2025 after suffering from heart failure due to an ongoing illness. He had spent days prior to his passing with relatives and friends in his home, in his favorite chair, with his U of W blanket. Many came to see him, as he was beloved by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Barbara J. Sundberg (58 years of marriage), his children Phil Sparks (Trevor), Daren Sparks (Laura), Amy Coy (Joe), and Erica (Craig), grandchildren Chris Sparks (Dan), Taylin Sparks (Jacob), Brady Sparks (Kylee), Brenna Amburgey (Milo), Caleb Coy (Courtnie), Maddie Coy, Emily Coy (Will), Sara Coy, Olivia Hudson (Zack), Isabel Hudson, his brother Dave (Sue) Sundberg, brother in law Gary (Linda) Rodal, and 1 great granddaughter, Iris Amburgey, several cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Clara Sundberg, and his brother Alan Sundberg. 

He was born in Kelso, Washington on February 26, 1933 and grew up in Longview, Washington. He graduated from R.A. Long in 1951, went to LCC for a short time and then joined the Air Force in 1952. He graduated from Western Washington University with his degree in teaching, and later earned his masters degree in education. In 1960 he began his career as a teacher, and taught for 28 years in the Longview School District. He married wife Barbara on December 30, 1966, and began to build his family. Upon retirement, Bill and Barb went on adventures and managed motels for a while until they settled up north near the Seattle area so that he could be near his beloved U of W Huskies. He had season tickets for a few years. They returned to Longview in the early 2000’s and loved being near family again and watching their grandchildren grow up.

Bill was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to college football (Huskies), Seattle Mariners, and SeaHawks. He was a meticulous record keeper, and loved to keep track of stats for all games. He loved to study the Word of God, and found joy and comfort in his relationship with the Lord. He loved music, especially 40’s and 50’s music, and old country favorites from George Jones and Merle Haggard. He was a movie buff. He had quite a collection and had been a life long lover of cinema. The African Queen was his favorite. He was the best story teller with great wit and timing. He was kind, gentle, and humble, and thought of others before himself. He absolutely loved being a grandpa. Over the years, he was able to attend sporting events, graduations, weddings, Disneyland trips, and everything in between. He will be missed by all who knew him, but we are comforted to know he is with his Lord that He loved so much.

There will be a memorial service 2 pm, 2/15/25 at The Bridge Church, 1448 11th Ave, Longview WA 98632.