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Peter Wallerich Obituary

Peter K. Wallerich

Peter K. Wallerich, born March 4, 1931, passed away peacefully July 6, 2017.

Born and raised in Tacoma's North End, he attended Lowell Elementary, Jason Lee Junior High, and Stadium High School, class of 1948.

Peter attended the University of Washington where he met his future wife, Marylu. He was a proud Husky and a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity.

He served in the United States Army, stationed in Alaska.

Peter returned to Tacoma and worked as a sales manager at the family business, South Tacoma Motor Company.

In 1970 he became Chairman, President and CEO of North Pacific Bank, a business his grandfather founded in 1906.

He was president of the Washington Bankers Association, product and services board.

Peter served on many boards including Mary Bridge Children's Hospital; board member and treasurer at the University of Puget Sound; and Senior Warden at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. He was also Chairman of the annual United Way campaign, and president of Tacoma-Pierce County "Design for Progress."

During his tenure at the University of Puget Sound, he established a scholarship for science students. The Atrium at UPS' Harned Hall bears his name.

He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Marylu; four daughters, Karen Wallerich (Tom Tieche): Kristen Wallerich; Karla Winship (Scott Winship); Kaari Wallerich; and five grandchildren.

Peter will be remembered for his quick wit, and his show of respect and dignity for people from all walks of life.

At his request a private family service was held last week at St. Mary's. Plans are pending for a later celebration of his life.

Sign Peter's Guest Book at

www.Legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jul. 19 to Jul. 20, 2017.

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Patricia Benjamin

March 24, 2020

In researching I have found members of my dad's Godfather/namesake's family. My dad, Peter Osweiler, was born in 1890 in Keokuk County, Iowa. Peter Wallerich was around 23 when he became his Godfather. I located you through a book of poems your great grandfather gave my father. Many of my family are buried at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery where I see, his first wife is buried. I am the youngest of my family, born in 1933, the mother of six. We moved to PA in 1963 from Iowa. My next older sister, 87 years old lives in Burlington. Would love to share thoughts with the Wallerich family. You can find me on Facebook if you would like.

M C

July 4, 2018

I am truly and deeply sorry for you loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Peter. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strength during this difficult time (psalm 29:11)

Joyce Walters

September 17, 2017

I worked at North Pacific Bank in the early 1970's.. I was the switchboard operator for the "Business Bank". Robert Peters hired me..they were friends of my dad, Jack Walters.. I really enjoyed the experience. Tom Lowery helped me get my first credit card. Saturday, Sept 16, I did a walking tour of South Tacoma Way. A lot of memories..From Joyce Walters

Ed Richards

July 26, 2017

Peter was a kind and gentle man. He was always glad to see you and treated you with the most utmost respect. He will truly be missed by all. Sincerely, Ed Richards, Jr.

John & Marcia Proctor

July 22, 2017

Hi Lu; This one hurts pray you and the girls are ok. Wish we could have seen more of each other. Would have liked one more ride in a brand new Oldsmobile convertible. Your " Don't coddle me" Doesn't play here. You deserve coddling this time. Marcia and I are praying for all of you. Love John & Marcia Proctor

July 21, 2017

My heart and prayers go out to all of you. I had not seen Peter in many years, but do remember all the fun times playing at the house with Karla and Peter always having a smile on his face. You will be truly missed. Heidi Ferguson Hyde

July 21, 2017

Oh, my old school friend, Pete. He was such an interesting, good, clever, sweet boy and man...and certainly in love with his family.


With deep sympathy and sorrow for you, Mary Lu, and to his girls and their families.

Betty Barnecut: Stadium 1948

Deb-Hunter Rowland

July 20, 2017

Such a great man with a great family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm sure he is saying "Hi" to my brother as Pete was his godfather.

John Ladenburg Sr

July 20, 2017

Met Peter when my friend and I opened our law firm on South Tacoma Way in 1976. He helped us finance that firm and helped me build our first home. A true gentleman and someone I always thought of as a friend. Rest in peace, friend.

Becky Marlow

July 20, 2017

I had the privilege of being one of his North Pacific bank employees from 1990 to 1997.

Whenever I'd run into him, he always had a kind smile and treated others equally; no pretense in his character.

He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. People like him are hard to find; a rare gem.

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