Samuel J. Waalkes

June 19, 1942----January 24, 2013 Samuel J. Waalkes died peacefully on Jan. 24, 2013 of pneumonia. He was the beloved son of Sue and Jack Waalkes of Muskegon, Michigan. In 1965, after graduating from University of Michigan in Aeronautical Engineering, Sam and his wife, Karen (Wiersma) Waalkes, moved to Seattle where Sam started his productive career at the Boeing Company. He retired after 33 years at the company. Sam's first love was his family, including wife Karen, daughter Rita, son Adam (Karen), and grandsons, Eli and Nicholas. He was a huge sports fan and especially loved playing golf. The University of Michigan was his beloved alma mater and to him the Wolverines could do no wrong. He was able to go to attend two Rose Bowls and the 1993 NCAA western regional basketball final (played in Seattle). His precious beagles, Susie and Bailey gave him many years of pleasure in retirement. Sam and Karen were married for 49 years. A memorial service will be held at Newport Presbyterian 4010 120th S.E. Bellevue, Wa. at 1:00 on Saturday, Feb. 9th. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to: Northwest Kidney Centers, P.O. Box 3035, Seattle Wa. 98114. University of Michigan College of Engineering Center Suite G 264, 1221 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor Michigan 48109. Virginia Mason Foundation, 1218 Terry Ave. (Cassell Crag Building), Seattle Wa. 98010.