Donald (Don) Lynn Reukema

Don was born to Genevieve and Lester Reukema on February 9, 1931 in Berkeley California joining sister Leona.  He attended Berkeley State getting a BS in Forestry.  He then was drafted to serve during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Lewis.  As the Korean War wound down and he was discharged, he went to work as a back-country ranger at Glacier as well as Mt. Rainier National Park.  He then decided to continue his education in forestry.  He got his Masters from University of Idaho and went on to get his Ph.D. in Forestry at University of Washington.  During his time at the University of Washington, he dated and then married Carla Hansen.  Upon graduation he received an opportunity to work in Olympia, WA at the USDA Research Station where he specialized in Douglas Firs.  There he and Carla raised their three daughters and were active members at Olympia First Baptist.   A few years after his wife Carla passed away, he moved to Burien and then to Kent to be closer to his daughters.

He is survived by his sister, Leona Converse of Corvallis, OR, his three daughters – Patricia Stillmaker (husband - Robert) of Maple Valley WA, Cheryl Merritt (husband - Daniel) of Burien, WA, Virginia Piazza (husband - Phillip) of Renton, WA as well as five grandchildren – Allison Swensen (wife - Bree), Robin Stillmaker, Katelynn Piazza  – (husband - Jalen Barnes), Alisha Piazza and Shane Merritt and one great-grandson - Sullivan Swensen.  

He enjoyed traveling and going for walks. He will be remembered as a loyal, kind, loving and generous friend, husband, father, granddad and great-granddad.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Olympia First Baptist (https://fbcolympia.org/)