Obituaries

Gregory Allen Sporseen

Obituary

Gregory Allen Sporseen passed away on September 18, 2026, after a short battle with a rare kidney disease. Greg was born on June 6, 1944, in Portland, OR, the son of Stanley Emanuel Sporseen and Claudine D. Sporseen (Ness), and the younger brother of John S. Sporseen. He married Carol Diane Nelson on March 18, 1967 celebrating their 59th anniversary last year, 51 of which were spent in Kirkland, WA.

Throughout his life, Greg enjoyed playing baseball, soccer, and running, including marathon running. His love of sports eventually led him to coaching, where he became a dedicated mentor and a strong source of support and encouragement for his children as they pursued their own dreams.

Greg worked for United Airlines for 35 years, building lasting friendships and relationships with his coworkers. Even long after his retirement, he continued to consider many of them not just coworkers, but friends and family.

Greg was a lifelong Seattle sports fan and could often be found in front of the television watching the Seahawks while simultaneously listening to a Mariners game on the radio. His love of Seattle sports extended to the Sounders, Kraken, and UW Softball.

Greg also discovered a love for disc golf after his son, Kjell, and his friends introduced him to the game. In retirement, Greg discovered another passion—cooking. He enjoyed learning his way around the kitchen and especially loved making his favorite Beef Barley Soup.

Greg was proudest of being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Aaron, Elke and her husband Ken Betonte, and Petra; his grandchildren, Kajsa, Breckin and his wife Maddy, Gianna, and Gunnar; and his great-grandchild, Blakelynn. Though his son, Kjell, passed away before him, Greg carried his love for his son with him always, and Kjell remained an important and cherished part of his life.

Greg was devoted to his family and a dependable, loyal friend. He cared deeply about the people in his life and was always someone others could count on for support, encouragement, and a steady presence when they needed him most. He will be missed greatly, but he will be remembered every day for the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

 

A celebration of Greg's life will be held at Watts Brewery at 15510 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. NE, E110, Woodinville, WA  98072 on Sunday, October 18 from 12-3:30.