Roy Arthur Anstett

Obituary Roy Arthur Anstett June 9, 1914 - July 11, 2015 Our cherished father, grandfather, Big Poppa, uncle, dancing partner, friend and favorite "knucklehead," Roy Arthur Anstett, died at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Tacoma on July 11, 2015. He was 101 years young. Born in Sinnett, Saskatchewan, Canada, Roy was the second son of Fred and Mary Agnes (Devine) Anstett. The family eventually settled near Moorhead, Minnesota. From the farms and bars of western Minnesota, Roy developed his wry sense of humor, became card sharp, and learned to out dance everyone. In 1938, he met his true love, Lillian E. Nelson, and they married in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on April 1, 1942. During WWII, Roy was a member of the U.S. Army's 345th Fighter Squadron. After the war, Roy and Lil settled in Tacoma - "God's country," Roy would say - where he worked as a civil servant at Fort Lewis Army Base for over 30 years driving heavy duty equipment. A proud father of four boys, Roy was also a favorite uncle and beloved grandfather. He lived what he believed, and no one worked harder or loved his family more. His stories, quick wit, gentle heart (buried under that tough exterior), and uncanny ability to fix just about anything will be deeply missed. Those with broken hearts include his four sons and their wives, Steve and Pat, Dick and Lou, Jim and Marie, and Larry and Marcy; his sister, Arlene Pedersen; and brother, Gerald Anstett; his 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, extended family, countless friends and dancing partners. Roy was preceded in death by his dear wife of 53 years, Lil; and by his parents; sister, Viola; and brothers, Chet, Fred, Emmett, Ralph and Jack. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church, corner of 72nd and Park Ave. Friends and loved ones are invited to a reception immediately following the Mass. Graveside service will be held at Fir Lane Memorial Park, 924 E. 176th St., Spanaway at 2:00pm. The family suggests memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.