Robert Wayne Gershmel

Robert Wayne Gershmel, 80, of Kirkland, Washington, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017. He was born Sept. 20, 1937, in Palmer, Alaska — the son of Harold Earl and Edith Louise (Donisthorpe) Gershmel, who had arrived in Alaska in 1936 as Matanuska Valley Replacement Colonists. Shortly after graduating from Wasilla High School in 1956, Robert joined the military. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer from the United States Navy, serving for nearly 30 years. Robert married MaryAnn Kondis on Oct. 23, 1992, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Edmonds, Washington. He loved country western dancing with his wife and was an avid volunteer with the City of Kirkland.

Robert is survived by MaryAnn, his wife of 25 years; son, Lester Gershmel; daughters, Sherie Vieira and Dorothy Gershmel; stepson, Terry Schalow; stepdaughter, Traci Schalow; grandchildren, Dennis Grogan, Michelle Vieira, James Vieira, Jackson Schalow and Robert Gershmel; sister, Carole Wegner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Allen Gershmel and sister, Marlene June Cottle.

Robert’s life was celebrated in a memorial service with military honors at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church on Nov. 18, 2017.