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Joseph Sundal
01/22/1961 — 07/10/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Bellingham, WA
Celebration of Life
530 W. Bonneville Street
Pasco, WA
Reception
530 W. Bonneville Street
Pasco, WA
Joseph Sundal
Joseph (Joe) Reynold Sundal suddenly passed away Friday, July 10th from a heart attack at home. His passing was unexpected and a complete shock to all.
Joe was born January 22, 1961 to Rey Sundal and Ginger (Syverson) Sundal-Wikmark in Bellingham, WA. His mom called him a “serious child” who arrived ready to take any responsibility thrown his way. Soon, the family moved to Everett, WA and Joe was joined by two siblings, Jim and Janet.
In the fall of 1965, Joe and his family moved to the green and wonderful “Sky-High-La-Ridge” neighborhood in Mukilteo. There they played outside until the streetlights came on, explored the gullies, swam the seaweed-choked beaches and pedaled to the Handi Mart for ice cream and mischief.
Joe attended Rose Hill Elementary, Berg Skole (Trondheim, Norway), Olympic View Middle School, Mariner High School and Pacific Lutheran University where he received a degree in Political Science. In middle and high school, he was the kid sought out for his drumming skills and spent two summers in a band for Snohomish/King County community dances and taverns – they played Styx covers and called themselves, “Equinox.”
Joe didn’t waste any time and took only a month after graduating PLU to marry Kim Nelson. They lived in various north King County locations until their daughter Alyson came along in 1988, and eventually landed in a suburb of Kenmore, WA. Four years later they were joined by the arrival of son Aaron. Both kids supplied Joe with a lifetime of happiness and headaches.
Anyone that knows Joe, knows him for his love of fishing and hunting. He drove one Toyota truck after another with the same personalized plate “2THEHUNT.” Truly, one could say, he was obsessed with the outdoors and was in some ways a modern Hemmingway with his love of “manly” pursuits. The pictures that hang in his house are pretty much dedicated to him showing off his fin, fowl and hoof trophies.
Coming in a close second to outdoor activities was a life-long love of the Seattle Mariners. That crazy team who blew so many good seasons in the waning weeks made his blood percolate like coffee in a pot. Whether Joe was in a $5 bleacher seat or at home in his recliner, he was laser focused on all nine innings, “wait…what…whad’ya say…I’m watching the game right now.”
Joe and Kim migrated to Richland, WA in 2001 so that Joe could manage the state liquor store on G-Way. The family enjoyed the area’s sunnier climate and Joe had a whole new hunting and fishing landscape. They made new friends, settled in and saw their son and daughter graduate from Richland and Hanford High Schools (respectively). But like a lot of folks that marry young and find themselves “empty nesters,” Joe and Kim’s marriage ended in 2014.
Joe remained in Richland and found himself a little house with squeaky floors and a garage big enough for his fishing boat and toys. He worked as a butcher at WinCo and retired with a sigh in the fall of 2024.
Joe is survived by his daughter Alyson, son Aaron, brother Jim and sister Janet (Jay), nephews Phill Sundal, Jacob Sundal, Joe Anderson, Steve Turtadian and niece Elizabeth Roshak . He also leaves behind his beloved pooch, Bella, the ball fetching machine. He is preceded by his mom, Ginger (2020) and dad, Rey (2021).
Everyone is welcome to attend a memorial service for Joe to be held on Saturday, September 6th , 1:00 PM at Pasco First Lutheran Church, 530 West Bonneville, Pasco, WA 99301. A reception featuring Joe’s favorite desserts will be held following the service.
Joe—I remember him fondly from Mariner High School and I’m saddened to hear of his early passing.
I’m happy that he achieved such a full and happy life with children and hobbies that brought him such joy.
Rest in eternal peace, kind Joe Sundal.
I was crushed to hear of Joe’s passing. I’ve known him for years as a dedicated Hunter Education Instructor in our group of teachers. His specialty was the survival section and he would show the new hunters the “stuff” they should consider whenever out in the wild to make it through a cold night or 2 if they got lost. So friendly and so kind to the students. I’ll miss , Joe!
I met Joe through hunter education about 17 years ago. He was the best I’ve seen at putting students at ease and calming down anxious students. I’ve had the pleasure of hunting and fishing with Joe on many occasions and enjoyed all of them. He will be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I went to school with him from Rosehill, to Olympic View, and Mariner. I remember him from band. Rest peacefully in paradise
Joe will be missed by our family. He did cub scouts with my Mom in early years, and become one of my brothers best friends during school. They remained friends after school too
My condolences to his family.
I remember Joel from middle school and high school. He was good people he will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Joe was a good guy to know. I think I met him at Rose Hill and had many grades with him. I remember him being friendly and thoughtful. Sounds like he loved the outdoors and lived a good, rich life. We will remember our Joe of class of ‘79.
I remember Joe from school, from Rosehill, Olympic View, and Mariner and playing in band. My condolences to his family. Rest peacefully in paradise
I knew Joe in middle and high school and remember him as always very nice, upbeat, and lighting up the area with his big personality. Sorry for your loss…
So many great memories growing up with him in Mukilteo. My deepest condolences.
I went K-12 with Joe, duck hunting in Stanwood and listening to Styx and Chechen n Chong in his bedroom after school. Was able to reconnect with him a few years ago in the Tri-Cities. Great guy, great memories. My deepest condolences to his family
Joe was my classmate in high school. I remember him smiling, joking and playing the drums. He is remembered just that way.
My condolences to his family.
Cindy Worthen
Sadden to hear of your sudden loss.
Grew up with Joe from elementary school thru high school, always the nicest guy and fun. Brilliant also!
Always someone fondly thought of thru the years, how lucky you were to have him.
Blessings of comfort to all
Joe and I were friends in middle and high school. He was very serious and also much fun. I am saddened to hear of his early passing. See you on the other side, Joe. RIP .
I have nothing but good memories of Joe clear back to Rosehill. Always a great guy and smart as a whip! Prayers for the family. So sorry for this loss.
I’m fortunate to have many great childhood memories of Joe during our early years growing up in Mukilteo. I remember him always upbeat and positive. So sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.
His passing leaves a big hole. It was an honor to have known him. He enriched the lives of all he met. There will be soo many Hunter Ed students who will miss out on his wisdom.
Such fond childhood memories from your time in Norway, Joe! Condolences to the family,
Arnfinn
So many fond memories growing up in Mukilteo with the Sundal Family. Joe being the oldest, had a way of offering guidance. I am sorry to hear about his passing! R.I.P. Joe!
Rest in peace Joe,I’m so glad to meet you couple months ago months ago,,we missed you ,until meet again,,🙏
Farewell, my beloved brother. Your calling came far too soon and we will miss you. Dahlia and I were so blessed to have shared some time with you last month and we weep at your sudden departure. Rest well in the arms of our creator until we meet again.
Jimmy
Joe was an important part of my teen years — he got me a job, we fished Puget Sound, and visited the Kingdome both for concerts, and to see cousin Roy pitch. We lost touch after I moved away, and I see he changed (he was a Volvo man then) , but not in key ways that this nice tribute bring out, and that I will fondly recall. Condolences to the family, and thanks for this nice remembrance
Joe was an important part of my teen years — he got me a job, we fished Puget Sound, and saw a couple concerts and cousin Roy pitch at the Kingdome. This nice tribute makes clear he changed (he was a Volvo guy then), albeit not in the core ways I’ll fondly remember
condolences
Godspeed, Cousin Joe. Auntie Ginger will be so glad of your good company. We will miss it very much on this side.
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Joseph Sundal