Myrl Gjestrum Obituary (1927

On December 4, 2010 at 4:40 am, the heavens opened up and Jesus took the hand of an amazing husband, father and grandfather. Myrl I. Gjestrum passed in the comfort of his home and in presence of his devoted wife and soul mate of 37 years, Mary J. Gjestrum. Myrl was born on October 30, 1927 to Even and Ellen Gjestrum on their family farm in Climax, Minnesota. He was raised along the Red River where he had many adventures, and attended a one room school. At the age of 17 he joined the U.S. Nave for 2 years and after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army for 4 years. After leaving the Service, Myrl began working as a cement mason. Myrl left Minnesota in 1973 and moved to Yakima, Washington. He then met his wife Mary whom he was happily married to for 37 years. Together they raised 5 wonderful children. Myrl loved to attend the sporting events that his children participated in, and was a huge part of all their lives. He continued his career as a cement mason, and worked at Hanford until his retirement in 1986. Myrl spent countless weekends at Mar Don Resort with his family, fishing on Lake OSullivan. He was always the first one up, with a thermos full of coffee, ready to head out on the boat and catch some fish. Myrl also loved to play poker, especially Texas Holdem, with his family and friends. He was a kind person whom never failed to leave a good impression on everyone he met. He had the best sense of humor, and was always the first to crack a joke. Myrl is preceded in death by his parents, Even and Ellen Gjestrum, 4 brothers, and 4 sisters. He leaves behind his wife Mary Gjestrum; sister Beulah (Milfred) Engebretson of Minnesota; daughter Cyrlene (Charlie) Foster of Minnesota, sons Myrl Gjestrum Jr, Marc (Angela) Gjestrum, Mike (Tina) Foster, David (Reatha) Foster, and daughter Marilee (Carl) Ramos; grandchildren; Colette, Chuckie, Brittany, Jaden, Michael, Michelle, Melissa, Shalynn, Shannen, C.J., Katie and 9 great-grandchildren, all of which miss him dearly. Family would like to thank Lower Valley Hospice and nurse Debbie Graves, Pastor Al Johnston, and Alma Torres, dads aid. Myrl always looked forward to their visits; he trusted and adored them dearly. They would also like to thank Chef Jeff Eaton at the Ponderosa for help catering the dinner. Services will be held on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 1:00 at Shaw and Sons Funeral Directors, 201 N. 2nd St.