John Russ Denzler

John was born December 23rd 1934 in Tacoma, Wa to Dr. Charles and Marie Denzler. John grew up in Sumner, Washington and attended high school there graduating in 1953. Growing up with the lure of Mount Rainier in his backyard, he and two friends decided to attempt the climb, and summited Labor Day, 1953.

John’s college days started that fall at Washington State College with an interest in architecture spending two years there. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he met many life long friends.

In the fall of 1955 he transferred to the University of Washington, where classes in industrial design were offered.

He graduated in 1958. John married Myrna Backman that summer. They raised a family and were together thirty years.

He was employed by Boeing from 1959 to 1969 and Weyerhaeuser from 1969 to 1979 and big toys from 1980 to 1987 with responsibilities in graphic design, project management, and advertising.

John always had an interest in real estate and to be self-employed. He developed a number of residential and commercial properties over the next 20 years before retiring in 2013.

Skiing, boating, hiking, biking and travel were John’s activities along with classic and special interest cars that would come and go over the years.

My Dad penciled the above Obituary years ago, included a photo and instructed me to use it someday, “It’s just easier” he explained, Makes sense to me, just want to add a few things.

Our Dad, passed of natural causes, early on August 15th, we were out late, put him to bed and left with his usual “Thanks again” , and our “no problem, see ya tomorrow”. It was Dad’s 2nd month at Stafford Suites in Sumner, as a 2nd generation guest (his Dad , Dr. Charles Denzler) preceded him there, and the folks at Stafford were again, absolutely terrific to him and us. What a great guy, I heard many times, he never lost his smile, was always happy to see us, and grateful to all those who made life without the freedoms your own home, and cars provide. Dad was aware and understanding of the process, never once complained, but we all knew this loss of freedom especially hopping in one of his fully restored classic cars, for a drive around the neighborhood to “keep them charged and running”, was taking a huge toll on him. John was 89 when asked if there was anything at all he wish to see or do, he said “honestly Starr, I’ve had a full life, no regrets,”

John R. Denzler is survived by son’s Erick and John Denzler and our brother Steve Morgan.

We will “celebrate his life” gathering at his Sumner home soon, date to be advised.