Edwin Andrew Opstad

Edwin Andrew Opstad of Federal Way died August 21st at age 77 from complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Son of Edwin R. Opstad, namesake of Opstad Elementary, and Hermia Thomson Opstad, Ed spent his early life in Fall City, Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Falls and North Bend. He joined DeMolay while attending Mount Si HS, graduating in 1952, and was a member of Acacia fraternity at the UW, graduating in 1956. After marrying Shirley Thompson in 1956, his 25 year army career sent him around the world, commanding bases in Oregon and Texas, serving in the Pentagon, and serving abroad in Germany, Thailand and Viet Nam. Ed became active again in Falls City Lodge in 1981 and served as master in 1986, 2004 and 2005. Following Shirley’s death in 2008, Ed married Bette Simpson. His community activities included Kiwanis Club, Federal Way Historical Society, Republican Party, and past High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of the State of Washington. He is survived by his wife, Bette, his children, Carol Jaeger, Ruth Lowe, Mary Pacher, and Lars Opstad, his stepson Mark Johnson, his 10 grandchildren, and his sister Mary Fuller of Bozeman, Montana. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 31st at 1 p.m. at Steel Lake Presbyterian Church, 1829 South 308th Street, in Federal Way. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Edwin R. Opstad Masonic Memorial Scholarship Foundation or the charity of your choice. Full obituary, directions and on-line guest book at www.flintofts.com

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