It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sibbie Kristjanson, age 93, of Seattle, WA.  Sibbie was born on Dec 2, 1930 in Winnipeg Canada the youngest of 8 children to Kristbjorg & Sigurbjorn.  He spent his early years on the family farm just outside of Mountain, North Dakota where he developed a love for hard work, family and community.  As a young man, Sibbie played center on his high school basketball championship team, an early example of his competitive spirit and team mentality. After high school, Sibbie followed many cousins who had moved west and made the bold decision to pursue opportunities on the west coast. He worked for several construction companies before partnering with a friend to start his own company. In 1968, Sibbie founded Icelandic Construction, a business that continues to thrive to this day, with multiple family members proudly working alongside him over the years.

It was in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle that Sibbie found both his faith and his soulmate. He joined the Icelandic Lutheran Church, where he met Emily, the love of his life. Sibbie & Emily were married on February 11, 1956 and enjoyed 68 wonderful years together. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Timothy Jon (Sue), Gregory Trent (Irene), Stanley Jay (Liz), and Jane Lorene (Pat). Sibbie & Emily's family grew to include 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchilren: Jessica (Jack), Nathan, Bella & Kyler, Emily (Jed), Ethan & Emma, Moses (Sophia), Trent (Alison) & Jaxon, Michael, Marcus (Paige), Amanda (Christian), Maddy (Mason), Kristjan (Megan), Alex (Emily). All of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought immeasurable joy and pride to their lives. His nephew Mark (Patty) Osterhout held a special place in his heart.  Family meant everything to Sibbie. He had a special way of making all of his extended relatives feel like his own children. Whether they were near or far, his heart swelled with joy whenever they visited. His family will forever cherish the many memories they made together.

Sibbie was preceeded in death by his parents, Sigurbjorn & Kristbjorg, and by his siblings Gunnlauger, Jon Vilmar, Hannes, Margaret, Anna and Lara.  His sister Rosa lives in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

For information on his Celebration of Life, please contact Tim, Greg, Stan or Jane, or email [email protected].  All who knew Sibbie are invited to join the family in honoring his love of the Mariners by wearing Mariner gear.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Vikur Lutheran Church in Mountain, ND, or to the Seattle Union Gospel Mission.

Vikur Lutheran Church

PO Box 204

c/o Loretta Bernhoft

12963 87th Street NE

Mountain, ND 58262

The Union Gospel Mission in Seattle

PO Box 202

Seattle, WA 98111-0202

UGM.org