Bert Klungel

Lammert “Bert” Klungel, age 90, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

Bert was born on October 22, 1934, in Groningen province in the Netherlands, to Hendrik and Hilchien (Hilda) Klungel. His childhood was shaped by the challenges of World War II, during which his family endured Nazis occupying his home, until Holland was liberated in 1945. Despite hardship during the war, Bert’s love and passion for soccer were cherished memories. He played on a regional soccer team alongside his brother, George, and his friends in Voorschoten. As a young man, he also served in the Dutch Army.

Bert immigrated to the United States in 1956, arriving in Hoboken, NJ. He and his family then traveled by train across the country, settling in Renton, Washington, where he worked as a mechanic and built a new life. Bert attended a church retreat near Everett, WA. While there, he was smitten by a beautiful blond girl he heard playing the organ in a meeting room. Bert learned her name, Ruth, and that she lived in Everett. After the retreat, Bert went on a quest to find this girl “somewhere in Everett.” He drove up and down Everett streets asking anyone he could find if they knew of young, blond woman named Ruth. As fate would have it, he found one man watering his lawn outside his home who happened to know her. The man was Ruth’s dad, and he invited Bert in for a cup of coffee, saying Ruth would be home any minute. Not many years later, Bert and Ruth married and began a family raising three children, Nick, Heidi, and Heather. Early into fatherhood, Bert accepted a job at Coca-Cola and dedicated himself to a long, rewarding career before retiring.

Bert and Ruth raised their children in Kirkland, WA in a home filled with love, laughter, and adventure. As the family expanded, Bert and Ruth enjoyed traveling to visit them in Napa Valley, Washington and Idaho as well as big family trips they shared together. Bert’s devotion to family was evident as he frequently showed up in the stands, encouraging his grandchildren at their sporting events. He shared stories of faith and his Dutch heritage passing along many traditions and values. His legacy of determination, kindness, strength, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. 

After retirement, Bert moved with Ruth up to Bellingham to enjoy their golden years closer to some dear friends near there. Together they went on many adventures including to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park, and countless other destinations.

Bert is survived by his children, Nick (Jamie) of Napa, California, Heidi (Joel) of Sammamish, Washington and Heather (Christopher) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; six grandchildren: Kelsey, Madison, Benjamin, Luke, Trista, and Colton; and sisters: Diane Klungel and Ann Porter. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Ruth Ann Klungel.

A Celebration of Life service will be in Bellingham WA, on Sunday February 16th, 2025.