Wendell Lein

Wendell Lein, 82

Wendell Lein died peacefully at his home on Jan. 27 with his wife at his side, after a three-month battle with brain cancer. Lein was born March 19, 1926, in Rolette, N.D., to Amund P. and Mary Lein, who immigrated to the United States from Norway.

At the age of 12, Lein moved to Bend, Ore., to live with his sister. In Bend, he worked as a bellhop at the elegant Pilot Butte Inn. Lein enlisted in the Army in 1944 and served in Okinawa — where he received a Purple Heart — Saipan, and Korea.

After military service Lein returned to North Dakota and became the owner/operator of Wendy’s Tavern in Webster. He married the love of his life, Doris Rachel Stewart, on June 4, 1947. They moved to Seattle in 1950, where Lein found employment as a teamster, hauling goods on a daily basis between Seattle and eastern Washington.

Wendell and Doris enjoyed nearly 62 years together. They raised their family in Des Moines. In 1995 Wendell and Doris moved to Poulsbo, where Lein enjoyed daily walks with his dog, visiting with his neighbors, bowling and golfing. Lein was a member of the Elks Lodge in Burien, Sons of Norway in Poulsbo and South Minister Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Doris; son, Robert (Sheila), of Black Diamond; daughter, Shelley (Larry) Carreiro of Poulsbo; and grandsons, Gregory Nash and Michael Carreiro of Poulsbo.

Arrangements for service are pending.