Wallace Arthur Hartshorn

Wallace Arthur Hartshorn, 79, of Lakewood, Washington, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at his home. He was born on July 26, 1938, in Tacoma, Washington, to Thomas Joseph Hartshorn and Ruth Alberta Seger. He was the 6th of 8 children, being an identical twin with Warren. He was raised in Puyallup, Washington. Wally learned the value of hard work and serving others during his childhood. He enjoyed the many fruit trees that grew plentifully on his parents’ property and climbed them, while eating delicious fresh fruit that he picked. He enjoyed sports and participated in wrestling and football while growing up. During his Senior year, he placed 7th in Washington state in wrestling. Wallace graduated from Puyallup High School in 1957. He attended one year at College of Puget Sound, now University of Puget Sound. He then joined the Coast Guard, a week before he met his sweetheart Joann. He was an Honor Recruit during his training in Alameda, California. He later joined his twin brother, Warren, in Groton, Connecticut. Warren was also in the Coast Guard. Wally served on the Icebreaker, Northwind. After he was married, he and Joann and their 5 children moved to Provo, Utah so he could attend BYU. He used the GI Bill and worked part time to help support his family. He graduated from BYU with a degree in international banking and finance which was quite an accomplishment. He was smitten and met his wife, Joann (Ripoli) Hartshorn, at the home of her Auntie Lou. They were married on September 26, 1959 in Parkland, Washington. While married, they found The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints through a good friend and neighbor, David Smith. They were sealed in the Cardston, Alberta Temple to each other and their two children at the time, Kevin and Eve, as well as all of their future children. Wallace was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served as a Bishop, in Sunday School, as a Seminary teacher, in the Mutual program and many other callings. He was a beloved Bishop and the members were blessed by his service in this calling. The family has received gratitude for the time he served in this capacity for many years. Wally and Joann were blessed with 7 beautiful children. They enjoyed delicious food, visiting with one another, singing, dancing, and acting. They had a home where everyone was welcome. They often invited friends and family to dinner and loved getting together to go to Dash Point. Debbie (Murphy) McCollum and Rich Belknap were two children who lived with them and enjoyed their family as well as other children who stayed in their home over the years. Wally has always believed in serving and assisting others in any way he could throughout his life. He was always quite the handyman and found ways to use this to serve his fellowmen throughout his life. Wally and Joann purposely owned vans to haul people and furniture in service. They were always giving rides and doing service for friends, neighbors, family members, and anyone else who was in need. Joann fondly called him “Wally the Wonder Worker.” Upon hearing of Wallace’s death, his neighbors were very sad and recounted all of the times he had helped them out with his handyman skills. One of their dear friends even referred to Wally as her and her husband’s spiritual father. Wally will always be known for his legacy of love through service. The evening before he passed, he and his wife Joann were reading their old love letters to one another. Wallace was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Vandermay, and brothers, Thomas and Lloyd. Wallace is survived by his beautiful wife, Joann; his wonderful children: Kevin (Lasha) Hartshorn of Cedar Hills, UT; Eve (Jeston) Hays of Fort Worth, TX; Kirt (Kathleen) Hartshorn of Pleasant Grove, UT; K. James (Joella) Hartshorn of Lehi, UT; Leisa (Brian Linstrom) Bennett of Rugby, ND; Pearl Semer of Boca Raton, FL; and Kreg Hartshorn of Lakewood, WA; 37 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren with three more on the way; brothers, David (Alice) Hartshorn, Marvin (Emagene) Hartshorn, Warren (MaryAnn) Hartshorn; sister, Frances (Alvin) Grizzle; and many nieces and nephews. A viewing will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 25 followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. both at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5420 104th St. S.W. Lakewood, WA. The Hartshorn family would be very grateful if you signed the guestbook and left a memory about Wally. Thank you so much!