Robert Poulsen

Funeral services for Robert L. "Bob" Poulsen, 93, lifetime Ellensburg resident, was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Steward & Williams Funeral Home burial followed at the High Valley Cemetery. A reception followed the services at the Ellensburg American Legion Hall. Friends may call to pay their respects from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Mr. Poulsen passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Health Care Center in Yakima.

Bob was born on October 9, 1925 in Ellensburg, the second of four sons born to Louis & Rachel (Moe) Poulsen. He grew up in Ellensburg and attended school in both Kittitas and Ellensburg, graduating from Ellensburg High School with the class of 1943. While not drafted to serve in World War II, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and returned home to Ellensburg, while also serving an additional five years in the Army Reserves.

After his return from the service Bob married Eleanor Moser on May 21, 1954 in Coeur d' Alene. They made their home first in the Yakima Canyon farming and ranching and then the current farm on the Kittitas Highway in 1960. They were also blessed with four children - Carol, Ron, Tom and Dave. Eleanor passed away in 2011 and Bob continued to live at home until just a few years ago when his health required that he move to Hearthstone and then to Good Samaritan in Yakima.

Growing up in a farm family, Bob started working at a young age and that carried through the rest of his life including driving swather until he was 88, calling it "the best seat in the house". Over the years he raised cattle and grew a variety of crops including peas, potatoes, sugar beets, corn, wheat and hay. He served on the board of directors of both the Ellensburg Water Company and the Central Washington Farm Crops Association. Bob enjoyed salmon fishing and many family vacations were spent at Neah Bay, LaPush and mostly Sekiu. There were also many camping trips to the Teanaway, Banks Lake and Lake Kachess along the way. He also enjoyed elk and pheasant hunting, along with spending time on the water in his boat.

Bob is survived by his children, Carol (Brian) Mellergaard, Ron (Darcy) Poulsen, Tom (Renee) Poulsen and Dave Poulsen, all of Ellensburg; brothers John Poulsen and Eric (Carol) Poulsen also of Ellensburg as well as seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor and his brother Raymond. Memorial contributions in Bob's honor are suggested to your favorite charity in his name. Steward & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Bob's family. Online condolences may be left at www.steward-williams.com