Louise Echtle

Our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt Louise Echtle, passed away at Tacoma General Hospital on November 3rd, 2020 with family at her bedside.

Nova Louise Dornblaser was born March 3rd, 1943 to Raymond and Nova (Brackney) Dornblaser in Olympia.  The youngest of four, Louise’s family lived in Nisqually, Washington where she and her brothers attended school at the two-room schoolhouse.  Louise recalled fondly the close-knit Nisqually community, attending Sunday school, dances at the community hall and assisting her family and neighbors with gardening and tending livestock.  At a young age she began contributing to the family’s income, working on nearby berry farms.  She especially enjoyed the summer community picnic held each year in the valley.

After her father’s death in 1956, Louise, with her mother and brothers, moved to a small farm at South Bay where they supplemented the family income by raising chickens and supplying eggs to nearby stores.  Louise attended North Thurston High School where she excelled in home economics.  After school she kept house for her mother and siblings who worked to support the family.

Louise enjoyed dancing and time with her friends.  In 1960 she met Ed Echtle at the Evergreen Ballroom near Lacey.  They married July 1st 1961, shortly after her graduation from North Thurston.  For a time they made their home in a travel trailer while Ed followed work opportunities.  After he was hired by United Parcel Service they purchased their first home on Olympia’s west side in 1965.  Their first son, Edward, was born just as they prepared to move in.  In 1967 they welcomed their son James.

Louise converted to the Catholic faith in 1961 when she married Ed. They initially attended St Michaels in Olympia until they relocated to Tenino in 1972 when they became part of St Peters Tenino faith community.

Louise took great pride in creating and maintaining a welcoming, beautiful home for her family.  Louise’s generous heart made her friends and family feel at ease when they visited.  Many of her sons’ friends understood they were free to raid the fridge for drinks and snacks which she kept well stocked.

Among Louise’s favorite activities were the family’s traditional Friday night restaurant meals.  While she enjoyed The Falls Terrace and Anthony’s, she was just as contended with burgers at Eagan’s.  She also enjoyed camping in her travel trailer with her family, often meeting up with extended family for group outings in western Washington parks.  After Ed’s retirement in 1992 they enjoyed exploring the west together in their RV.  They visited National Parks in many western states, traveling with their dogs.

Louise and Ed’s first grandchild, Amanda, was born in 1987, followed by Alex (1997), Daniel (1998), Michael (2003) and Lillian (2012).  Louise treasured her grandchildren, always baking cakes for each of their birthdays.  Louise also put much effort into her holiday preparations, making sure her family always had a beautiful celebration and an outstanding meal at their Tenino home.

In 2019 Louise and Ed relocated to Tacoma, residing at Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community.  Their kind and outgoing personalities forged immediate friendships with their new neighbors and they enjoyed participating in community events there.  After Ed’s passing, Louise was hopeful to resume her social activities.  She waited patiently for restrictions brought on by the Covid virus to end, and looked forward to better days.

Louise is survived by her brother James in Alaska, two sons, Edward (Robin) and James (Jennifer), Grandchildren Amanda, Alex, Daniel, Michael and Lillian, and great granddaughter Layla.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, her father Raymond, Mother Nova, and brothers Roy and Norman.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, a family-only service will take place at Holy Cross Church, Tacoma on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 11:00 am

Graveside will follow later that day at Forest Grove Cemetery, Tenino, at 1:15 pm - all are welcome to attend.

No reception following.


Donations in memory of Louise may be made to:

TCSC/Tenino Foodbank Plus
PO Box 1239
Tenino, WA 98589.
https://teninocsc.org/