In Loving Memory

Ronald Duane Sumstad

Captain Ronald Duane Sumstad, 78, of Kettle Falls, WA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 6th, 2022. He was a loving son, father and grandfather to all of his family and extended family members. In his early years, Ron was an avid member of the Boy Scouts for over 10 years. Ron's father, Grampa Reidar, was a Scout Master; His mother, Gramma "Teenie", was a Den Mother; and they showed their boys how to love others.

Ron was a veteran of the US Navy and Merchant Marine from 1961 – 1963. He had a love of ships and served as a Master Maritime Captain in the uncharted waters of the Kuskokwim River in Western Alaska for several decades. He created Sumstad Navigation Services as his legacy after his uncle Oddmund passed in the mid 70's. He was a pillar in his community and treated everyone he met as his own family. Ron had a love of fishing, being on the open waters and spending time with loved ones.

Before moving to Kettle Falls, Ron also lived in Seattle, WA; Bethel, AK; Anchorage, AK; Seward, AK; and Kodiak, AK. His heart will always be in Alaska where he first ventured to in the late 60's and early 70's. Ron had a love of music, he played the guitar and piano, wrote songs and he adored his three brothers who often sang together. Ron, affectionately known as "Cappy" and "Papa", will be missed by all.

Ron was preceeded in death by his Father, Reidar Kornelius Sumstad of Seattle, WA; his Mother, Francis "Teenie" Prater of Seattle, WA; his Son, Ronald Kristian Sumstad of Nampa, ID, and his Grandson, Tristan Levi Sumstad of Bend, OR.

He is survived by his children, Robert Taylor of Bethel, AK; Blessing (David) Ponicsan of Parker, CO; Rebekah Haynes of Anchorage, AK; Matthew Sumstad of Sequim, WA; and Aaron Sumstad of Anchorage, AK. Ron had 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren whom he loved very much; brothers, Reidar (Rhonda) of Tucson, AZ; Bill (Sharon) of Kirkland, WA; and David (Maryanne) of Bonney Lake, WA; several nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside service with military honors for Mr. Ronald D. Sumstad will be held in the near future at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of one's choice. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.