Larry Wangen, age 73, a resident of Edmonds, WA since 1997, passed away Monday July 27, 2015 at the Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Washington. He was born October 3, 1941 in New Rockford, North Dakota to Obert and Violet (Pfeiffer) Wangen.
Larry grew up in North Dakota and at age 13, he and his family moved to Larry grew Lynnwood, WA where he graduated from Edmonds High School in 1959. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army as a surveyor. Upon his discharge, he attended and graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham and eventually earned his PHD in Chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle. Larry began his career as a research scientist working for Argon National Laboratories in Chicago, Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico, International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, and he later did consulting work for the government at PNNC in Richland, WA.
While residing in Los Alamos, he was a longtime member of United Church of Los Alamos and was involved with Stephens Ministries and since residing in Edmonds he volunteered with the Shibba program at the Edmonds Senior Center. He enjoyed hiking, keeping physical fit, reading, but most of all he enjoyed his family, they were his whole life.
Larry was married to Judith M. VanderWoude on September 10, 1965 in Everett, WA and they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this September.
He is survived by his wife Judith Wangen of Edmonds, WA. A son Rick H. Wangen and his wife Shelley and their daughter, McKenna of Newcastle, WA. A daughter, Pastor Rachel Wangen-Hoch and her husband Pastor Eric Wangen-Hoch and their sons, Elijah and Jonah of Sedro-Woolley, WA. 3 brothers, Richard Wangen of Seattle, WA, George Wangen of Edmonds, WA, and David Wangen of Chehalis, WA, and a sister, Marylynn Wangen of Centralia, WA. Numerous nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Douglas.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 1:00PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley, WA with Pastor Jana Schofield of Christ Lutheran Church of Ferndale, WA officiating with a reception to follow at the church. On Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 2:00PM a Celebration of Life Service will be held at United Church in Los Alamos, NM with Pastor Kathleen Logan officiating with inurnment to follow in the church niche wall. Memorials are suggested to Family Promise of Skagit Valley PO Box 335 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98285, Pajarito Enviromental Education Center 2600 Canyon Rd Los Alamos, NM 87544 or a charity or congregation of your choice.
I’m quite late in finding that Larry passed away and am saddened to hear it. I decided to look him up after regrettably falling out of touch with him many years ago. I was a grad student at the lab during a couple of summers in the 80’s and Larry was my mentor there. He was a fantastic man – invited me to run on the weekend with him and his buddies and was always there giving moral support to a young scientist. Really sad I didn’t tell him that in person.
My deepest condolences to the entire family, especially Judy, Rick and Rachel.
Professionally and personally Larry was a wonderful advocate and friend. So sorry to hear of his passing. Love to all.
Marshall
Judy, I just read about the lost of your beloved Husband ,Larry.
I will continue to pray for you and family, in courage and strength.
I just feel God’s grace is present with you at this time of sorrow.
Thinking of you
Angie Charlton
I love you Dad. Forever in my heart! Until we meet again!
I knew Larry for about 35 years. I first met him when I was out on a run. We enjoyed running and completed one marathon together. We also worked in the same group at the lab for a few years. I always had great respect for him. Judy, Rachel and Rick I so sad for you loss.
Judy, I was so sad to read of Larry’s death in the newspaper. I am terribly sorry for your loss. Bless you and your family going forward.
Sharon
Larry was a good man with a kind heart. We traveled many miles together, shared stories, laughed at each others jokes, played endless games of cards to pass the time and got to know each other very well.
I will miss him. We will all miss him.
Dear Judy, Rick, Rachel all Larry’s near and dear. I was shocked to receive this sad news. I had the honor of supporting Larry on his numerous visits to Russia since late 1990’s. I will always remember him as a good Christian, true professional and extremely nice person – it was a pleasure to work for and with him. I am praying that our High Lord set his soul in peace.
Vladimir Astakhov
Interpreter, Russia
Dear Judy and family,
I was terribly sad to read of Larry’s death–and surprised. He always seemed like the nicest, most soft-spoken guy, and one who absolutely thought the world of you, Ricky, and Rachael. What a blessing that you could be with him at the end. May you all find comfort in the thought that you will be reunited one day.
Bonnie Thalman
Very touching obituary – I never knew Larry & Judy were married only six days after Wally & me! A remarkable man in so many respects. I’m sure you are all very proud of him, as you attempt to make sense of your untimely loss. God be with you – see you August 8. With much love – Cathy
Bill and I are so heartfully sorry for your tremendous loss. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
What a loss this is. Talk about a quality individual and you will find all the necessary traits in Larry Wangen. I’ve known Larry for nearly forty years and I remember one of my first conversations with him was on a jog when he asked about my Christian faith. That sealed things and Larry and I both were members of the United Church of Los Alamos when we were both living there. Larry’s first love was Judy and their children Rick and Rachel. Larry was a well rounded gentleman as well as an accomplished chemical scientist. In the chemical arena he was one of the early workers in the area of chemometrics. He was active in the activities of his church and both taught adult education and was a Stephen Minister. Larry participated in a number of sports ranging from karate to marathon running and pentathlon participation. I have been blessed with Larry’s counsel during times of my need. Great memories will be with me always.
My deepest condolences to your family, Rachel. Your dad was such a kind man. Sending you all love and hugs.
Love,
Tanya
I love the photo we chose. It was from a hike he and I took up Sauk Mountain last fall. I had planned on us taking a hike together weekly once Mom and Dad moved here. I just ache with both sorrow and joy for the beautiful, gracious man he was. Thank you all so much for traveling with us on this journey of grief and for all the support. Most of all, thank you, Daddy, for being such an amazing person, father, friend.
Sending love and prayers to your family for this heartbreaking loss.
Dear Judy and family,
Please accept my support and prayers at this painful time of Larry’s death.
I remember Larry and I did a grief group together at the United Church before you moved to Washington. He was a always supportive of those individuals in need.
Unfortunately I will be out of town the weekend of the services so may miss all of you.
Dorothy