Howard Sorteberg

Tahoma Hall-23806 190th Ave SE, Kent Washington 10:30-11:00 AM Family Viewing Only 11:00-11:45 AM Open Viewing for Friends and Family 12:00-12:45 PM Memorial Gathering and Sharing 12:45-1:30 PM Break

Tahoma National Cemetery 1:30-2:00 PM Committal Service 2:30-4:30 PM Reception (Tahoma Hall)

Howard LeRoy Sorteberg was born October 31st, 1939 in Badger, Minnesota and passed away on February 24, 2012 at his home in Whatcom County, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Nora Sorteberg, two brothers, Willard and Robert; one sister, Donna Lisell and a niece, Tracy Lisell.

Howard attended Roseau High School and then joined the United States Army. He served in the infantry at Fort Lewis Washington. He then returned to Roseau to work at Polaris Industries.

In 1962 he married his beloved wife, Donna, in Roseau, Minnesota. Their first child Derek was born in Roseau. Their second child Darin and their third child, Denise, were both born in Seattle. These three children blessed Howard with seven grandchildren, Mark, Christine, Jill, Jesse, Cody, Alexis and Madison. He spent many hours attending their soccer games and school functions.

In 1964 Howard decided to move to the Seattle area to seek employment. He went to work at Pacific Car in Renton where he worked for the railroad car division until 1981. He made a career change from a machinist to working in the heating and air conditioning industry and went to work for The Tin Shoppe, owned by John Bahner and his son, Derek. He later worked for Merit Mechanical and then for Pacific Air Control. These jobs led to his opening his own business, HS Sheetmetal, in 1995 in Redmond, Washington. He later moved his business to Renton, Washington and in 2003 he incorporated and moved the business to Tacoma, Washington where it is still operating as QuickTin.

Howard resided in the Renton area for 42 years and then moved to the Mount Baker area in 2006. Due to his failing health he was unable to do a lot of things but he enjoyed living in the country where he has made many new friends and has enjoyed his yard and garden. He spent many hours watching the wild life and talking about the beauty of the mountains and wilderness. He also enjoyed calling his Mother and Father in-law, Arvid and Geraldine Barber, in Minnesota and was so glad that they were there for him.

He is survived by his three children; Derek Sorteberg (Barbara), Darin Sorteberg (Lorie) and Denise Butler (Buddy); his seven grandchildren; two sisters, Avis Viseth of California and Elaine Arnold of Indiana.

Howard passed away peacefully at his home on February 24, 2012.