Robert L. Therkelsen | July 18, 1932 – March 14, 2026

It is with great pride and respect that we think of our GREAT father, grandfather and friend Robert L Therkelsen. He was 93 years young and was the kindest, most loving, generous and funny person who always loved a good joke. He will be missed by many and remembered by all.

Robert, being third-generation Therkelsen, was born and raised at the Fuller House in Center Vashon in 1932. He graduated in 1951 from Vashon High School. Shortly after, he joined the US Air Force, where he was based for several years at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington. After leaving the Air Force, he went to Olympic College and the UW. He went on to work at Boeing, starting as a draftsman, and after 35 years, retired as an engineer at Boeing Aerospace and Military.

His love of flying started at the early age of 3 when he saw a plane fly over his house and asked his mom, “What is that?” He then said, “I’m going to do that!” Six days before his 4th birthday, on that very same airplane, he did just that while sitting on his sister Marie’s lap in Burton. The rest of his life was filled with airplanes that he repaired or rebuilt and the Vashon Airport, being one of the three commissioners until 3 months ago.

In 1958, he married the love of his life, Kay Paschal. They met at Olympic College, where Kay was a secretary. Kay originally didn’t want to date a veteran and one with an old car. When a girlfriend of Kay’s told her that a 1932 Ford was not some old car, she changed her mind. They were happily married for 54 years until Kay passed in 2012.

Preceding him are Kay Therkelsen (2012) and Wendy Lucas (2022), awaiting his return.

Robert is survived by son Robert Therkelsen, daughter-in-law Mary Therkelsen, and son-in-law Greg Lucas. Robert had 6 grandchildren, Jennifer, Samantha, Amanda, Christopher, Justin and Ian. Robert also had 8 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life at Island Funeral Services on April 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.