Elmer Richard Agens

Elmer Richard Agens August 25, 1928 - November 23, 2021 East Wenatchee, Washington Elmer Richard Agens, beloved Husband, cherished Father, adored Grandfather and Great Grandfather passed away on November 23, 2021, reunited with his precious wife, Marlene. Elmer died in his home with family by his side. He was 93 years old. Elmer was born in Everett, WA on August 25, 1928, to William "Roy" Agens and Sarah "Elsie" Agens. In his teenage, work ethic defining years, he herded and tending cows on his uncle's cattle ranch. Catalyzed by his patriotism and duty to serve, he enlisted in the Navy upon Graduation from Wenatchee High School, serving 30 years in the Military. Elmer married the love of his life and constant companion, Marlene, in 1967 while stationed in Alameda, CA. The Navy Chaplain officiated their union. Their espousal solidified Elmer's purpose and principles: to provide, support, sustain, build a solid foundation for and honor Marlene and their family together. Elmer's inherent principles of faith, arduous work, discipline, honor in all things, gratitude and dedication to family, Country and God informed his life. He defined resilience, resolution, righteousness, and routine. His pride and purpose lay in doing good work, for his family, his neighbors, anyone in need. He never preached, but prayer and practice of faith provided his life's primary guide. He never complained or spoke ill of others. His favorite word was "Yes." His most oft uttered phrase, "I love you." Elmer embodied gratitude and humility. Scripture, sacrifice, sweat, and selflessness provided the key tenants to his internal solace. With buoyant gratitude, he woke daily before dawn, groomed meticulously, worked fervently, and found his daily rewards for each day's job well done in the joys of settling into every evening with his constant and favorite companion of 54 years, Marlene with a delicious meal, a great old western, a slice of apple pie and cup of coffee before bed. His appetite for life, love, learning, work, and food never waned. Well into his latter days, his abhorrence of burning daylight stood strong, like him. Even at 87 years old, while mowing his lawn, he experienced a heart attack but would not stop for help or treatment until the job was done. His driveway, the neighborhood walkways and his dearly loved neighbor and adopted daughter Carrie's sidewalks and driveway were religiously snow blown at the first dusting, even if sunrise melted away his work. In his nineties, as age took its irrevocable toll, he had to be reminded repeatedly that his jobs of the day had been completed and he could rest. Elmer wasn't all work and no play. He laughed easily, found people's stories and differences amusing and fascinating. He had no ego. He lived and loved in the moment, dancing in the kitchen, opening gifts on Christmas and his birthday with the excitement of a young boy, reveling in the joy of a giant Hershey bar as if it were the Hope Diamond, doing his best "model walk" through the house to show off his newly acquired dapper clothing. In his Navy days, carried away by the spirit of brotherhood and the "spirits" they indulged in, he and his friends jumped up on the table at the NCO club, dancing and singing the theme of the "Mickey Mouse Club" at the top of his lungs. He loved seeing the Rockettes and the discovery of new cultures, landscapes, people, and places of his travels. He always thought of those he loved and missed while he was away on his Naval adventures, bringing home trinkets and treasures to share. He found immense joy in hunting, fishing, and going to hole in the wall diners with his sons. He reveled in the delight of his granddaughter Amanda's gymnastics and volleyball competitions. He always rooted for his family and loved them, supported them not just when they were winning, but equally as dedicated, encouraging and loving when they were facing life's inevitable challenges. Elmer's most significant joys in life were times spent with his family and friends, delighting in happy gatherings, holidays, and birthdays, after Church brunches, backyard BBQs, get togethers and celebrations of any kind that resulted in gatherings ripe with laughter, bountiful in stories and precious time shared, and of course, good food. Elmer was a kind soul and a true gentleman; always dignified, respectful and humble, living a life of quiet strength, fortitude, service, selflessness, He possessed an acceptance and empathy for others, a composed easy amusement, and an ability to admire his family and friends and express his love openly, freely, and often. Even as age and illness took its physical toll, inhibiting his ability to speak while maintaining his ability to think, Elmer never felt sorry for himself. Instead, he maintained his compassion and thoughtfulness of those around him. Still more sensitive to others needs than his own. His words became fewer but always significant. In his last days, as emotions took hold of those around him, one of Elmer's last directives, acts of caring, was to reach out and clasp his daughter in law's face and console her with the words, "Don't worry." Elmer will be remembered forever for his dedication and love of his wife and family, his dignity, grace and faith, his generous, non-judgmental spirit, his unshakable loyalty, his glee and pride in his Grandchildren, his noble courteous, curious nature, and his open, full, loving, accepting, and sharing heart. Elmer always did what was right. He taught by example to all those around him to do the same. Elmer lived what many would consider a simple life. But his contributions and impact on those around him were extraordinary. Although the voices, teachings, life lessons of the greatest generations are being eroded, Elmer's example ensure the wisdom, strength, fortitude, beliefs, and actions resulting in a life well lived is not lost, are passed on & will be honored and continued through his legacy. Elmer is survived by his son Victor Agens of Bellingham, William Agens (and his wife Debby Hambrick-Agens) of Wenatchee, his Grandson Michael Fox, Granddaughter Amanda Agens Hunt, and his Great Grandsons Mason and Rylan Hunt of Chelan, WA. Elmer was preceded in death six weeks earlier by his dearly loved wife of 54 years, Marlene Agens. A Memorial on Elmer's behalf will take place on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 11:00. The gathering will be at Heritage Memorial Chapel, located at 19 Rock Island Road, East Wenatchee, WA 98802.