Hans Karsten Lunde

Hans was the 4th child and only son born to Harold and Rika (June) Lunde. He was preceded in death by his mother Rika (June) Lunde in 1993 and his sister Siri Jacobson in 2006. He is survived by his father Harold K Lunde, by his son Zachary and his wife Ryann, four sisters: Rika Stawski, Judy Grissom and husband George, Wendy Doescher and husband Dennis, Heidi Knoblauch and husband Bob. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and several grand nieces and nephews. He got such a kick out of them all. Hans attended Schools in Tacoma, Washington and was among the first senior class to graduate from Washington High School. Hans took his first job at 14 yrs old working at a car wash/Arco and by 16 yrs old had become a shift manager. At 18, Hans spent several years working for Atlas Foundation until he decided to choose a career path of running heavy equipment. He attended heavy equipment school and training and became a 30 year member of The International Operating Engineers, Local 612. Hans developed the skills to become "foreman" on many projects around the Puget Sound area. Hwy 512, Interstate 5, Chinook Pass, excavation of Canyon Road expansion, etc. One of his final projects was the "dirt work" in preparation for the Hwy 16 revamping and the new Tacoma Narrow Bridge. It is our understanding that Hans was good at what he did and that he had incredible work ethic. He left his mark all over the Puget Sound area. Through various projects and places of employment, Hans gathered many cherished friends. Hans had the ability to get along with most anyone, and by nature had an appreciation of the individuality of all who he came in contact with. Hans was a decent man, a kind man, an honest man and because of his humanness he had flaws that challenged him to try to be a better human than the day before. Because of these flaws, he was compassionate, caring, concerned and tolerant of others. He was baptized Christian as an infant into the community of the Lutheran Church where he was encouraged and educated about a God who was merciful, faithful and all powerful. He spent his adult years trying to make that knowledge a reality in his life and it all made more sense to him after his stroke in 2011. The experience with his maker at that time shaped and solidified his relationship with his Savior and finally he was able to say he "believed". Hans's journey to death was long and arduous. He suffered from liver failure that slowly robbed him of his ability to breathe easily or to speak clearly. Hans cherished his independence and clung to it like a life preserver. He drove up until the last few days of his life, visited friends and pushed himself daily to be a participant in life. Hans, long ago, made peace with the finality of his deteriorating health. He knew where he was headed and accepted it with grace. I kissed him "goodnight" every evening and told him I would see him in the morning. His response was the same nightly---" maybe you will, maybe you won't----I don't know----it doesn't matter----I love you so much". He would shrug his shoulders and lift his hands in the air. All was well in his world and he wanted me to know that it was okay---even in the face of his undeniable situation and circumstances. He married for the first time at 31 years old and became a father to son Zachary. His only regret in life was how he chose to handle his role of Dad after his divorce. By the time he realized what damage had been done he did not have the energy needed to pursue building a bridge back to his son. However, what energy he did have he used towards that end and received a phone call from his son that brought him peace and he knew if he had more time, more energy, he could have been hopeful and confident that the two of them could repair some of the wreckage of the past that he created. He understood that and it was important to him that his son realize that it was because of the decisions and choices that he (Hans) made that things were as they were. Because Hans had lost the ability to communicate easily, he had to accept that there was much left unsaid but hoped that he had made clear his message, that if he had it to do again, he would have done it differently. If tears could fill a bucket, Hans could have filled a river. He was impressed and proud of the man that Zack has become in spite of the absence of his father and credited Zack's grandparents Bob and Rose Pace, and his mother Dee Dee Pace with those results. Hans married twice more and lived in the North end of Tacoma. When Hans's health forced a move into a assisted living facility last year, he made the best out of a situation that forced him to leave a place he had poured his heart, soul and resources into. Painful as it was he accepted it with grace and courage and spent his days making friends with his new "roommates". In September of this year he moved to our home and surrounded himself with the family that he had denied himself for so many years. Ever helpful and appreciative, he enjoyed every moment in time here doing what he could to make our lives easier. He loved the outdoors and spent many evenings sitting out by a campfire, cutting cornstalks for the pumpkin patch and camping out in the back of his truck underneath open sky. All things that were not conducive to what little life he had left, but things that brought him joy, wonder and amazement. He did things his way and no amount of nagging or concern was going to change that. In the early hours of October 12th the trumpets sounded for Hans. The heavens opened wide and his Lord and Savior called him home. When I found him at 8:10 on a Sunday morning of October 12th, it was apparent that he had passed away peacefully in his sleep. There had been no struggle for air, no pain and no panic. He was gone and what remains is a legacy of love and laughter. What remains is evidence of a life well lived with a bounty of memories and remnants of material treasures that he managed to collect through the years. Most of which has meaning only to himself or to those who love him. Special thanks to Local 612 for their care and concern for one of their own. They were prompt and proactive, always, when a request was made for their assistance or when we needed to tap the benefits afforded their brother. Thanks also to Rodger and Nule Kohls, Nate and Sharika, Nate Fowler---all neighbors whose efforts, kindness and steadfast love made it possible for Hans to remain in his home as long as he did. You brought joy and meaning to what would have been another long and lonely day among many. He loved and cherished you all. Thanks to several friends, Phil, Dave, Ann, Barb, Rick A, Rick N, Marc W, Dave C and Rick at TCI, Kurt, Craig, especially Bob, and others. He appreciated your visits and phone calls. Your faithfulness to your friend made him feel valued and loved. Per Hans's request there will be no formal service. However, come Spring (and nice weather) we will have a bonfire/get together at our place in honor and celebration of his life. This will coincide with the spreading of his ashes (in the presence of family) in the Naches River behind Whistling Jack's Lodge----one of the several places that brought Hans peace and a sense of well-being. It would be helpful if you would be so kind to send me your contact information via email at [email protected].