Obituary of Warren Delano Ahlsten

Warren Delano Ahlsten, 77, passed away December 4, 2018 in Tacoma, Washington.  He was born May 28, 1941 to Albert and Dorothy Ahlsten in Breckenridge, Minnesota. He resided in Olympia, Washington for 42 years.

Warren was a 1959 graduate of Tintah High School in Minnesota.  He earned an Associate’s Degree from Clark College in Vancouver, Washington in 1967, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Accounting from the University of Washington in 1969. After graduation from UW, he worked for a CPA firm for a year, and then spent 29 years with the State of Washington in Fiscal Management and Accounting.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965, including one year in Germany.  He was an engineer, heavy equipment operator, and a Military Policeman.

Warren married Karen Geidl on December 27, 1962 in Vancouver, Washington.  They enjoyed 55 wonderful years together.

Warren enjoyed custom haying, model airplanes, oil painting, hiking, camping, and trailering.  The Grand Tetons and Mount Rainier were his favorite places. He loved to drive his tractor, enjoyed visiting time spent with family, and almost always won at cards.  He loved working with his hands, and always had more than one project in the works. He would tackle anything, whether it was automotive, woodworking, electrical, plumbing, welding, or any project involving using his tractor or other heavy equipment.  He was always determined to puzzle out the best way to accomplish a project or solve a situation.

Warren was one of the greatest guys everyone knew.  People looked up to him, and not just because he was tall.  He was a loving father, husband, brother and uncle.  He was very patient and caring, and loved to help people. He was always upbeat, had a positive attitude, and never complained.  He will be remembered as an entertaining storyteller.

Warren is survived by his wife, Karen Ahlsten of Olympia; son Steve (Teresa) Ahlsten of Onalaska, Washington; and sister, Cheryl Ahlsten of Studio City, California.  He is predeceased by his daughter, Pamela; parents, Albert and Dorothy Ahlsten; and grandparents, August and Matilda Ahlsten, and Ida and Gus Klugman.

A memorial service will be held Monday, December 17, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.