David Lee Soderstrom

David Lee Soderstrom, 77, lifetime Upper County resident, passed away at his home on Monday, August 30, 2021.  In keeping with his wishes, he will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony in Roslyn.

David was born on October 3, 1943 in Cle Elum to Carl & Dora (Graybeal) Soderstrom.  He grew up in Easton and graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1962 where he excelled in football and tennis.  While in high school, David worked nights for the Washington DOT as a radio operator at the Ellensburg shop and weekends at the fish hatchery in Easton.  Following graduation, David worked in the winters for the DOT and summers for Cresto-Lanphere, Inc. as a heavy equipment operator. He eventually went full time with the DOT and continued to work as an equipment operator until his retirement in 2008.

David met Patricia Cusworth at a dance in high school and they instantly became sweethearts.  They married on December 12, 1960 and made their permanent home in Roslyn in 1964.

In retirement, David and Pat enjoyed traveling, especially to Disneyland, sometimes taking many trips there in the same year with their children, grandchildren and friends.  On their 52nd anniversary - aptly 12/12/12 - David and Pat had the privilege of meeting Dick Van Dyke.  They visited with him for over an hour - it was the highlight of the trip!  When not visiting Disneyland, it wasn’t uncommon for David and Pat to take a drive for lunch in far off destinations from home including Portland, Wenatchee or Moses Lake.

David was a 30 year member of the Roslyn Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Eagles.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, at the family home in Roslyn; sons Norm (Lisa) Soderstrom of Cle Elum, Mark (Veronica) Soderstrom of Cle Elum and Duane Soderstrom of Spokane; grandchildren Tim, Amanda, Virginia, Krystyne, Felica, Dani and Shannon as well as great-grandchildren Aiden, Leo and Esme. He was preceded in death by his son David Harry “Davy” Soderstrom, his step-sister Evelyn Turner as well as his parents.

Memorial contributions in David’s honor are suggested to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145-5005 or online at www.seattlechildrens.org/giving/

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for David and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com