Pamela Zetterberg Langnese

Pamela Zetterberg Langnese was born the eldest daughter of Glenn E and Patricia J (Johnston) Zetterberg on March 29, 1948 in Salem, Oregon. She passed away peacefully at the age of 76 in the early morning on July 3, 2024, while in respite care at Woodland Care Center in Woodland, Washington. She departed from us on her own terms, away from home, and we believe she designed it this way with the Lord, as a final gift to spare her eldest daughter, Heather, from that trauma.
Pamela attended and graduated from South Salem High School in the Class of 1966 and sometime after, she went on to attend Oregon State University before moving to Portland, Oregon in early 1969. It was there that she met Janvier Keith Langnese in October 1973. We remember her telling us stories about this. She said she first crossed paths with Janvier while she was working at the federal building in downtown Portland, where he was employed as the building maintenance mechanic. It was during one of his routine tasks of changing a light bulb that she noticed his handsome
appearance and felt an instant attraction. They struck up a casual conversation and shortly thereafter, Janvier, drawn to Pamela's warmth, mustered up the courage to ask her out on a date. Their first outing marked the beginning of a love story that would span over five decades.
In January 1974, Pamela entered the United States Army as part of Women Company B and left to Fort Jackson, South Carolina where she completed her basic training. The Army then sent her to Fort Ord, California for clerk school, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana for accounting specialist school, Fort Bragg, North Carolina for finance specialist school, and finally she was stationed back at Fort Ord, California where she finished serving as permanent duty. She was honorably discharged in May 1975, receiving the National Defense Service Medal.
During Pamela's Army service, she and Janvier continued their courtship together through handwritten letters and cassette tape messages, exchanging their love and support across the distance. Their correspondence was evidence of their deep affection and tireless romance. During this time, Janvier proposed, she agreed, and they were married at Christ Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon, on July 27, 1974 during her furlough. Their enduring love story continued to blossom through these letters and messages bridging the miles between them until Pamela's honorable discharge, weaving a tapestry of devotion that continued to flourish throughout their 50 years of marriage.
After Pamela's service in the Army, she moved in with Janvier, and they initially lived in Ridgefield, Washington, before moving to Vancouver, Washington, in May 1976. Their family grew with the births of their daughters Heather Dawn Langnese on July 23, 1978, and Margaret Lena Langnese on February 27, 1981.
Pamela continued her education, attending Clark College, where she studied Early Childhood Education and received an Associate in Applied Science Degree in December 1987. In 1993, they moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, where Janvier continued working for the federal government until his retirement in 1999. They then relocated to La Center, Washington, and lived there for many years before settling back in Vancouver, Washington, in 2017.
Throughout her life, Pamela held various jobs primarily centered around the education of young children, although her early work began at the Flav-R-Pac cannery alongside her mother from 1964 to 1967, during high school summers and after graduation. She was also very active in her church communities, volunteering, teaching Sunday School, Children's Church, and guiding young minds in their faith journey, all the while planting and cultivating seeds in the hearts of countless young children she encountered over the span of more than 40 years. Her passion for kids permeated every aspect of her life-home, church, school, and work-reflecting her dedication to their growth and well-being.
Pamela often likened her life to a musical soundtrack, composed, orchestrated, and conducted by Christ himself, a journey that began with her singing 'Jesus Loves Me' as a preschooler. Her mother introduced in her a deep sense of reverence and guidance, fostering her upbringing within the enriching community of Christ Lutheran Church. Pamela's love for Jesus was steadfast, even after receiving her diagnosis in November 2022. Throughout her illness, she maintained a positive attitude and outlook, finding peace, comfort, and strength in her faith, firmly believing in the possibility of healing, whether in this life or the next. Her hospice nurse described her as 'Holy' and 'Spicy', qualities she embodied until her final moments. Despite confounding medical expectations with her unique case, Pamela remained a true testament to resilience and grace, a miracle who inspired all who knew her. Sharing her testimony was paramount to her, and she fearlessly illuminated the path with her unwavering faith, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she came in contact with. How fitting for her to be laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.
Committed to her family above all else, Pamela was a loving wife and mother who cherished her daughters, Heather and Margaret, with boundless affection. Her caring, nurturing spirit shaped their lives, instilling in them values of love, faith, hope, kindness, and compassion. A loyal and dutiful companion to her husband, Janvier Langnese, Pamela exemplified
selflessness, always prioritizing her family first. She wholeheartedly took on the responsibility of overseeing everything for Janvier and his care after he became unable to do so himself, until April 2024, when her own health no longer
allowed. She found immense joy in doing things for others, spending time and engaging in deep conversations with her close friends, treasuring their fellowship and support. Pamela also had a passion for travel, eagerly exploring new places with family or friends by her side. Her love for adventure enriched her life and created lasting memories that she cherished dearly. Additionally, a good game of Yahtzee with friends or family was a delight to her and she enjoyed watching baseball too.
Her heart was also touched deeply by her beloved tuxedo cat Huckleberry, who passed away on July 10, 2024, a week after her own passing. She adored Huckleberry's gentle spirit and cherished the companionship they shared. In honoring the family's wishes, Huckleberry will be laid to rest alongside her, a testament to their unbreakable bond.
Pamela Langnese is survived by her husband of 50 years, Janvier Langnese; daughters Heather and Margaret Langnese; sister Sue (husband Dave) Tipton; brother Craig (wife Julie) Zetterberg; three grand dogs (Galileo, Poseidon, Harmoni); numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Zetterberg, and father, Glenn Zetterberg.
Final words from Heather and Margaret: "Mom, words cannot express how deeply saddened we are in losing you and how much we will miss you. You were the steady guiding light in our lives, teaching us all the beautiful traits and lovely qualities to be great, respectable, honorable women. Your love was unconditional, your strength and courage inspired us every day, you were remarkable in every way, and absolute perfection in our eyes. We are so very proud of who you were and what you stood for. You were a wonderful mother to us and we were blessed to have you. Thank you. We take comfort knowing you are at peace and reunited with Jesus, whom you loved so dearly, because He first loved you. We're certain a celebration filled with joyful exuberance and a grand reunion of other loved ones who have gone before you took place upon your arrival. We imagine it as your perfect musical. We can envision you finally swinging from the chandeliers, just as you always dreamed of doing one day. Your legacy of love and faith will continue to guide us. We
love you always and forever to infinity."
Pamela's Testimony:
• I use the hospital of Health, Hope, and Healing.
• The CEO is Jesus Christ, MY Lord and Savior.
• There has NEVER been a malpractice suit.
• Everyone is Healed, here or hereafter!
Scripture:
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
[31] but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Poem:
What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot destroy peace.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot suppress memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot steal eternal life.
It cannot conquer the Spirit.
-Author Unknown-
Songs:
Jesus Loves Me | Souvenirs Worship
https://youtu.be/KXrC_uzsnsg?feature=shared
Heaven In The Way (Lyric Video) | Mary-Clair
https://youtu.be/fy01PU-RcyI?feature=shared