MIDGE GONTER
1940-09-29 2005-12-24
MIDGE GONTER (MICKELSON)
Ila June Gonter "Midge" Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many passed away peacefully on Sat., Dec. 24, 2005. Midge was surrounded by her entire loving family. Midge was born in Seattle, WA on Sept. 29, 1940 to Edwin and Eunice Mickelson. She grew up in the Green Lake area of Seattle, and attended Roosevelt High School. She spent childhood summers at Silvan Beach on Vashon Island. Midge graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1962, and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. It was at UPS where she met her future husband, Gary. They were married in 1962. Upon graduating, Midge worked as a primary teacher at Edison School in Tacoma. After a short teaching career, Midge helped to start the family business, Bandstand Music and Gonter's Music City. After raising three children, she returned to the field of education at Charles Wright Academy, where she continued to work for the last 15 years. She enjoyed working with the staff and students. Midge was loved by all those who knew her, including many of those people who met her through her years in the music business as well as former students and co-workers. She lived her life in a very loving and giving way, always putting others before herself. Midge was known as "Gigi" to her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She was the most thoughtful mother, and loving grandma. Midge's hobbies included snow skiing, boating and entertaining her friends and family at her home in Lakewood. As a director's wife of the Puyallup Fair, Midge loved "Doing the Puyallup" with friends and family. She was also a member of the Puyallup Rodeo Wranglers. Midge battled cancer with grace and determination over the past four years. She was a great inspiration to all those around her. Midge is survived by her loving family: husband Gary, her daughter and son-in-law Lisette and Mike Welk, her sons and their wives: Aaron and Maren Gonter, and Laird and Andrea Gonter; her cherished grandchildren Jacob, Natalie and Andrew Welk, Wesley Gonter, and Baby Girl Gonter due in May '06; her sister and brother-in-law Nola and Clyde Sparks, her aunt Rena Bidwell, Bob and Mary Gonter, and numerous nieces and nephews who all loved her. A very special thank you for all the wonderful, loving care provided by Dr. Dabe, Kay C., and the A.T.U. nurses. Remembrances may be made in Midge's name to Western Washington Fair Scholarship Foundation, Charles Wright Academy Scholarship, or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Midge lived across the street from me when we were growing up in Seattle but it wasn't until 1973 when I returned to the northwest that our friendship began to grow. We met by accident in Tacoma on a field trip for our kindergartners and continued to see each other over the next twenty years. Midge was a hard worker and a loving mother and grandmother who is surely missed by many.
tribute by Judy (May) BaergI was deeply saddened by Midge's passing. She was a fellow Teddy at RHS but, became a sorority sister, roommate & close, personal friend at Univ. of Puget Sound. She & her husband remained close friends & she is remembered with love, joy & many shared memories. I miss her very much.
tribute by Judy (Adams) Thomas