Fred Dean Japhet

Fred Dean Japhet was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma, WA on April 2, 1954, and passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma, WA on September 30, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends. Fred was the sixth and youngest son of Bill and Betty Japhet. When Fred was in the fifth grade the family moved from Tacoma to Sumner where Fred graduated from Sumner High School in 1973. In 1977 he married Ruth Kiser and a year later they started their family. Fred was the father of two children and four grandchildren who gave him great joy. Fred worked for the City of Sumner for 30 years before retiring six years ago. He felt so blessed to be able to retire early and spend more time with his family. He had many talents and always managed to stay busy even when he wasn’t feeling the best. He enjoyed his new job as “Grandpa’s Taxi Service” which paid greatly in lots of hugs and appreciation. Fred is survived by his wife Ruth Japhet, son Josh Japhet, daughter Jody Japhet, grandsons Logan Japhet and Josh Japhet Jr., granddaughters Rylie Japhet and Saige Sjoden; brothers Ken Japhet, Gary Japhet (Mary), Dennis Japhet, Dan Japhet (Debbie), numerous nieces and nephews, as well as some life long friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Ron Japhet, parents Bill and Betty Japhet, and his nephew Ryan Japhet. He will also be missed by his two devoted cats, Nelly and Helen. Fred was loved dearly and will be missed more than words can express but we are so thankful that he is now at peace and free from pain.