Obituary of Catherine Roberta Trondson

Catherine Roberta Trondson , 82, passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2006, surrounded by her family. Catherine (Kay) Trondson was born to Joseph and Catherine Gerle on November 29, 1923 in Burlington, North Dakota. When she was 4 years old, her father died of "miner's consumption", leaving her mother with 4 children (George, Catherine, Ben and Johnny). Kenneth was born shortly after his father's death. Her mother remarried, resulting in the addition of 3 more brothers, Jay, Bert, and Jimmy Raub. Catherine lived in Burlington with her family until during World War II she moved to Illinois to work in a war plant. November 8, 1945 she married Rolf Marvin Trondson of Berthold, North Dakota. He had served in the war, then took a vaiety of other jobs before re-enlisting in the Air Force. During his 23 year military career he was stationed at many U.S. bases, as well as England and Guam. Seven children were born to them: Roberta Kay, born 9/15/46 in Minot, North Dakota (now married to Dick Broussard of Kent, WA) Marianne Rae, born 1/18/48 in Spokane, Washington (now Shore, residing in Maryville, Tennessee) Marvin Leroy, born 3/15/50 in Merced, California (now residing in Tacoma with wife, Akemi) Marlene Marie, born 2/18/52 in Merced, California (now married to Sam Poe of Tacoma, WA) Glen Harlan, born 5/7/53 in Salina, Kansas (now residing in Tacoma with wife, Melanie) Elizabeth Irene, born 7/5/54 in Minot, North Dakota (now married to Rick Anderson of Vancouver, WA) Julie Ann, born 9/29/58 in Merced, California (now married to Dave Grefe of Woodland, WA) Following Rolf's retirement from the Air Force they moved to the Northwest, eventually settling in south Tacoma in 1968. After seeing their children marry and begin their families, Rolf passed away in December 1985. Since then, Catherine, known as "Kay" to the many who loved her, lived in the same house and found many things to keep her busy. She was at the heart of many family gatherings, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and annual family camp-outs. In fact, she spent 4 days tent camping at Millersylvania Park in August, just before her cancer was diagnosed. She was an active member at Manitou Park Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon and choir member. On Wednesdays she met with "Women of the Upper Room" to pray and have lunch together. She delighted in serving in practical ways and was well known for her hugs, generosity, the many birthday cakes she baked for her friends, and the transportation she provided in her big Pontiac. Her grandson, Justin, expressed in a recent letter to "Grandma Kay" What all of her grandchildren could relate to: "I have tons of memories stirring in my heart right now. I remember about a million apple pies, and roast beef suppers with mustard (yum), and bowls of your special sweet apple sauce. I remember games of scrabble and Easter egg hunts in your basement with all the cousins. I remember riding your exercise bike nowhere fast, taking sweet naps on your sofa and that comfy rocking chair, looking at pictures of you and Grandpa at the dinosaur park, playing with your puzzles, drinking malted milkshakes and hot cups of tea. I remember watching Jeopardy on TV with you, playing capture the flag in your basement, and playing that table hockey game, too. I remember dilly beans and the smell of Grandpa's pipe, baseball games on the radio and big hugs from Grandma Kay." Kay enjoyed baking, and was famous for her yeast buns and marble cake with peanut butter frosting. For years she kept a vegetable garden and shared her produce with many. She loved to watch Jeopardy and play Scrabble and Pinochle. She enjoyed travel and made trips to Mexico, Washington D.C., Branson, and North Dakota. She was fun-loving, but She will be most remembered for her faith and the dynamic relationship she had with the Lord Jesus. She left a lasting impact on the lives of all who knew her. Kay was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed! She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and brothers George, Johnny, Jay and Jimmy. She is survived by her brothers Ben and Kenneth of Minot and Bert of Chicago, her 7 children, 18 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren ( with more on the way!) Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008