Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Gerda Eastman Memorial
Gerda Eastman Memorial

Gerda Eastman

Gerda Eastman

Saturday, December 5th, 2015

Gerda Eastman, 99, born in Surnadal, Norway on August 26, 1916 passed away on November 29, 2015 at her residence at Home Place in Burlington, Washington. Gerda was the daughter of Anton and Gertrude (Sater) Harang and the second of five siblings.

She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Surnadal, Norway. Gerda, at age eighteen, arrived in New York on October 19, 1934 aboard the ship Bergensfjord. She was processed through Ellis Island, took a 6 day train ride to Everett, Washington and then to her first American home with the Moen family in Van Horn, Washington.

She married Walt Eastman in Port Orchard on April 5, 1939. Their first home was in Sterling, west of Sedro-Woolley. In 1941 they purchased and settled on what was to become the family farm on Burmaster Road, East of Sedro-Woolley. Gerda received her citizenship papers on September 20, 1940 from the Skagit County Courthouse, signed by Arthur Eliason, Skagit County Clerk. She was extremely proud to be a United States citizen. Gerda was a lady of the highest moral character. She valued dearly each of her many friends and always had a smile, a cup of coffee and some cookies waiting when you came to visit. She worked tirelessly beside husband Walt on the dairy farm they operated for fifty-one years. Gerda was a friend to all and never missed a chance to help out whenever needed.

Gerda was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Walt Eastman; brothers, Lars and Ola Harang; sisters, Anna Haugen and Ellie Treese.

She is survived by her sons, Bill Eastman, John(Arlene) Eastman; grandchildren, Shawn (Jenny) Eastman, Shelly Sanford, Tracy Waite, Erika (Shane) Davis; nine great-grandchildren, Cody, Carson and Colton Eastman, Faith and Emily Sanford, Hollie and Connor Davis, Alyx and Weston Waite; two great great-grandsons, Jack and Justin Eastman; sister-in-law, Marian Harang, Alice Chapman; numerous nieces, nephews and friends in Norway. She also had a special affection for the Herb and Judy Hansen family.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Home Place in Burlington for the exceptional care and attention afforded Gerda in her last years.  At Gerda’s request there will be no service or memorial. Any remembrances can be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hospice, or the charity or your choice.

Guestbook

  • Mick Johnson

    Many fond memories of Gerda and Walt and making Bill sleep on the floor when I stayed over. Sitting at the kitchen table and eating breakfast.

    Wish you and Bill my very best.

    Mick

  • Joanie Nagatani

    I am sorry about hearing about Gerda. I met her working at Creekside in 2006. Gerda would chat with me in the lobby getting her mail. Petra & Gerda had great times together. We missed Gerda when she moved. Gerda was a great lady & always smiling & having a good word to say about everyone & everything. She will be missed.

  • Joanie Nagatani

    I’m so sorry to hear about Gerda passing away. I met her at Creekside in 86. What a great lady. She was would chat with me when her mail. She was friends with Petra. Gerda always had a smile on her face & a kind word to say about everyone & everything. She will be missed.