Obituary of Walter Marvin Prindel

Walter Marvin Prindel, Jr., affectionately known as “Sonny or Wally” passed away suddenly at the age of 66. Preceded in death by his loving mother Ruby Funkhouser (William) and father Walter Marvin Prindel, Sr. (Ardelle), Sonny will be forever remembered by his two daughters, Kimberly McConnaughey (Randy) and Jody Waterman (Chad), his grandsons (Cody, Kyle and Brandon) and granddaughters (Aubrey and Kayla), stepfather (William Funkhouser), brother (Dale Prindel) and two sisters and brothers-in-law (Stan and Karen Barker and Mike and Delonna Winn), as well as his loving nieces (Jonel, Faith, Ashley, Michelle, Brooke, Jessica, Hope, Faith and Taylor), nephews (Jason, Chris, Shane, Richard, Devon, Rob and Erin), extended family and friends. Sonny, a life-long resident of Pierce County, Washington, grew up in University Place graduating from Curtis High School in 1963. Throughout his career as a millwright and laborer, Sonny was always a hard worker. As a young family man, Sonny enjoyed building and renovating homes, owning classic cars, and boating. He put his heart and soul into building a wonderful cabin, that as a family we all enjoyed for many years. A forever fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners, Sonny enjoyed rooting for the home team, while sitting on his deck overlooking the Tacoma Dome and Thea Foss waterway. Kim’s favorite memories of her dad was when he would come out to her house and spend the weekend helping her work in the yard or just kick back and enjoy the many bonfires they had. He also enjoyed spending time with his siblings at family gatherings and found great joy living next door to his sister and brother-in-law for the last 8 years. Sonny’s youngest daughter, Jody, loved having her dad over for dinner. He was a great storyteller and memory keeper. More than anything, Jody loved sitting around the dinner table listening to her dad talk for hours. She was fascinated about his childhood memories and what it was like for him growing up. But more than anything else, Sonny loved his grandchildren. Being a Papa to three boys and 2 girls was what he loved the most. Often times, Sonny would go to his grandchildren’s sporting events and watch them play. He never missed a birthday and for many years, he collected State coins for each of his grandchildren. A quiet man by nature, with a great smile and kind laugh, Sonny will be missed by those he loved the most. Realizing that our time here on earth is nothing compared to eternity in heaven, his family and friends left behind look forward to the day when they will see him again. For now, they find great peace in knowing that he is with his mom Ruby and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A celebration of Sonny’s life will take place on Sunday, July 10, 2011 from 2-5pm at the Narrows Bridge VFW hall, located at 4741 North Baltimore Street, in Tacoma, WA 98407. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you please take a moment to sign our guestbook and share your fondest memories of Sonny.