Obituary of Patricia Jean Kilmer Kullberg

Patricia Jean Kilmer Kullberg was born April 5, 1931, in Cosmopolis, Washington, to Eldon and Betsy Kilmer.  She passed away in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by her loving family on June 7, 2018, her and Bill’s 65^th wedding anniversary.

Pat earned her degree in elementary education from Pacific Lutheran College in 1952.  While at college, she met Bill Kullberg and they married on June 7, 1953.  They made their home in Colton, Oregon, where they raised their four children.  Pat taught first grade at Colton Grade School for many years. 

As an active member of Colton Lutheran Church, she served in many leadership roles, including council president.  She shared her love of music and Lutheran worship each week as the church organist.  Many will remember the joyful melody of “Shepherd’s Pipe,” which was one of her favorite postludes.  Moving to Rochester, Washington, in 1993 to be closer to family, she continued her involvement in the Lutheran church. 

Her family was always first and foremost for Pat.  She loved her family to the moon and beyond.  This love is evident in memories her grandchildren have of time with Grandma Pat: baking Christmas cookies, making and eating scones with butter and jam, taking vacations together, reading to us, hunting for Easter eggs, getting candy cigarettes from the IGA, taking time to patiently untangle a thrift store marionette, visiting in our homes, making root beer floats, serving powdered sugar with pancakes, teaching us to read and write, flying giant paper airplanes, comforting us when we were afraid, hearing the familiar “Bill!” when Grandma Pat called for Grandpa Bill to come help her, working garage sales together, and giving us the freedom to do whatever we wanted,

Pat is survived by her best friend and husband of 65 years, Bill; daughter, Lois, son-in-law, Greg; son, Roger, and daughter-in-law, Sharon; daughter, Leigh Ann, and son-in-law, Paul; daughter, Julie, and son-in-law Matt; grandchildren, Katie, Kevin, Kael, Kienan, Amy, Matt, Christy, Emma, and Hannah; great grandchildren, Evey, Brooklyn, Hailey, and Daxton; and brother, Dick, and sister-in-law, Deanna.  She was preceded in death by her parents and great granddaughter, Kaelyn.

A memorial service celebrating Pat’s life will be held Saturday, June 30, 1028, 1:00 p.m. at Colton Lutheran Church, 20808 South Highway 211, Colton, OR 97017.  Interment will be at Colton Lutheran Cemetery.