James Russell Duncan
June 20, 1955 – September 1, 2023
James Russell Duncan, known by his friends and family as Jim or Jimmy, was born on June 20, 1955, in Port Angeles, Washington, to his loving parents, Robert and Bettie Duncan. It is with heavy hearts that we announce his passing on September 1, 2023. Jim spent his entire life in the embrace of the Dungeness Valley, a place he cherished dearly.
Jim’s journey through life was marked by various accomplishments and a deep love for his community. In 1975, he was crowned Prom King, a testament to his popularity, which was undoubtedly influenced by his parents’ ownership of the beloved Dungeness Tavern. Jim was a celebrated track and field star. He also actively participated in football and basketball during his school years.
At the age of 19, Jim began his career at the Rainier Mill, starting as a humble broom pusher. His dedication propelled him to the role of a skilled millwright. When the mill eventually closed its doors, Jim pursued further education in diesel mechanics and embarked on a new path as a tow truck driver, where he found fulfillment for many years, working alongside Chris Frankfurth.
Jim’s zest for life knew no bounds. He relished every opportunity to engage in outdoor activities, such as crabbing, skiing, biking, softball, racing, golfing, and gathering firewood. His adventurous spirit extended to both indoor and outdoor games, always eager to try something new, often times with his best friend Jamie.
Jim’s spiritual side was a significant part of his life, and he has now embarked on a journey to a better place. Beneath his strong exterior lay a softhearted and authentic soul, though occasionally displaying a hint of stubbornness. He held a deep affection for his loved ones, finding joy in their company.
Jim was not only a loving father but also a devoted husband to Michele. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his children: Joe (Megan), Jim (Mandy), Drew (Trisha), Jesse (Baylee), Mariah (Mike), and his nine cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Chris.
Jim is now reunited with his parents, Robert and Bettie, and his sister Bobbie Jean, who preceded him in death. We invite you to join us in celebrating Jim’s life on October 8 at 1:00 PM. The gathering will take place at Brian and Dot Flanders’ residence, located at 387 Toad Rd. Sequim, where we will remember a man whose spirit will forever live on in our hearts.
Viktor H. Schimschal
Sept. 30, 1933, — Aug. 1, 2023
Photo courtesy of Viktor H. Schimschal family / Viktor H. Schimschal
Vik Schimschal, who hiked, biked and skied thousands of miles on Olympic Peninsula trails during the 62 years he lived in Port Angeles, died Aug. 1. He was 89.
Born Viktor Heinrich Schimschal in Gollnow, Germany, Sept. 30, 1933, he emigrated to Washington in 1957 only to return to Europe within a year after entering service with the U.S. Army.
Viktor completed three years of college and worked as a bricklayer in Germany. His parents, Wilhelm and Margarete Schimschal, fled an area that now is in Poland during World War II, then emigrated with church sponsorship to New York in 1956 and settled in Hamilton, Wash.
Vik returned to the U.S. after his Army discharge and lived for a while in Hamilton before moving to Port Angeles. He began work at the Crown Zellerbach Mill in 1961, retiring 33 years later as a multi-craft lead mechanic for Daishowa.
Viktor fell in love with Anna Halko in Port Angeles and they married in 1966. During 57 years together, the Schimschals often hiked and biked and raised children, Erich and Viktoria.
Viktor served for nearly 30 years as a board member of the former Crown Z credit union now known as Strait View CU. During those years, he also became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Viktor, who frequently day hiked solo, was a lifelong hiker and cross-country skier. With his wife and kids, he hiked many Olympic Peninsula mountain trails and headed for snowy trails in winter to ski.
He and Anna also trail biked and looked forward each year to family mushrooming.
Survivors include his wife, son Erich, daughter-in-law Missy, and daughter Viki LaRue; granddaughters, Danielle Schimschal, Melanie (Schimschal) Bogen and Raven LaRue, and grandson Logan LaRue; a brother, Gunter of Bellingham, Wash., and a sister, Karola in Germany.
Private family services will be held later.
We little knew that morning,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
— Ron Tranmer
Lance L Rogers Sr
November 10, 1943 – August 20, 2023
Photo courtesy of Lance L. Rogers, Sr. family / Lance L. Rogers, Sr.
Lance L Rogers Sr passed away at the age of 79 on Aug 20, 2023. He was born in Port Angeles to Etola Starks and Donald J Rogers on Nov 10, 1943. He was raised by his grandparents. He graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1962.
Lance worked as and auto body and frame repairman, owning his own shop in Port Angeles and later working in the Seattle/Tacoma area.
He married Judi Pearson in 1962. They later divorced in 1986.
Lance was very creative. In addition to his occupational auto body repairing, he restored totaled vehicles and vintage autos. He created several wrought iron railings and decor still in existence throughout Port Angeles. He was also a very talented artist and created several pieces for family members.
He is survived by his children Dawn Marie Rogers Wyatt, Nicole Michelle Rogers, and Ronald Russell Rogers, his sister Victoria Rogers, and granddaughters Cassandra Renee Kearney Rogers and Yazmine Jade Battee. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Hazel and LeRoy Starks, mother Etola Starks O’Connor, several aunts, uncles and cousins and his son Lance “Sonny” L Rogers Jr.
There will be a funeral for Lance at 1:00 pm on Sept 26, 2023 at Mt Angeles Memorial Park 45 Monroe Road with an open house to follow at Judi Rogers Anderson’s house.
Fred W. Velpel
Fred W. Velpel, age 102, transitioned to a new life on August 15, 2023.
He is survived by a daughter Patricia and son-in-law Gary Capouch; Granddaughter Julie (Alan) Hughes; Jason Capouch (Zoe) and 3 grandsons. He was a WWII veteran who was proud of his family and service to his country. Services will held Saturday, September 23 at 1PM at Dungeness Lutheran Church, Sequim.
Lance L. Rogers Sr.
November 10, 1943 – August 20, 2023
Teri R. McAllister
Teri R. McAllister of Sequim died on Sept. 4, 2023, at Sequim Health & Rehabilitation. She was 69. McAllister was born Sept. 6, 1953.
No services will be held. Per her request to friend and power of attorney, she was cremated and will have the ashes scattered in the Olympic Mountains.
Sign an online guestbook at drennanford.com.
Curtis Roger Hagan
Curtis Roger Hagan of Sequim died on Sept. 10, 2023, at Olympic Medical Center.
He was 69.
Hagan was born Dec. 23, 1953.
Services are being planned and will be announced at a later date.
Sign an online guestbook at drennanford.com.
