Obituaries

MARC EDWARD VANDANACKER

Obituary

SEPTEMBER 1, 1950 - JUNE 25, 2025

Marc Edward Vandanacker, age 74, of Lake Stevens, formerly of Duvall, Port Orchard and Long Beach, Washington passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 25, 2025. He was the only son and one of five children born to James Allen and Mary Ruth (Craig) Vandanacker. Marc is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen, his children, Heidi (Brian) Henry and James “Jimmy” (Kelli) Vandanacker; six grandchildren, Trenton, Jacob, Rachel, Jaxson, Peyton and Hailey; two great grandchildren, Mabel and Colt; sister, Erica Hill; beloved aunts, Mary Ellen, GInna and Nancy; Uncle Dean; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Marc was a people person. He loved everyone. He was a devoted family man who adored his family. He was born in Minnesota and attended public schools in Riverside, California. He was a true all-American boy. He grew up riding his bicycle everywhere, surfing, swimming, rehabilitating old cars with his father and working various jobs during high school. He began playing sports at a young age and continued playing pickleball, softball and golf after his college years.

The Vandanacker family was home to seven. Despite their many challenges, the family was a close knit household filled with love and laughter. Two of Marc’s youngest sisters died as children and his mother contracted polio shortly after his birth. His maternal aunts and grandmother were his major caregivers as a young child. He learned the art of cooking from his “Grandma V” and carried on her traditions as family chef for his own family. He took control of the kitchen during holiday gatherings and fed his family delicious food made with love.

Marc worked his way through four colleges and in 1975 graduated from Oregon State University at Corvallis. He was a dedicated OSU Beaver fan. Marc earned a B.S. in Physical Education with a K-12 teacher accreditation. Marc taught and coached junior high school in Corvallis. He taught school during the day and at night, he tended bar at Mother’s Mattress Factory. He met Karen at Mother’s and swept her off her feet. They lived in Corvallis until Karen graduated in 1976 and then moved to Karen’s hometown of Seattle. The two were married in Portland, Oregon in 1977.

The family lived in Duvall for over 20 years with Heidi and Jimmy attending Snoqualmie Valley schools. Marc volunteered to coach many Snoqualmie Valley youth teams and also coached Cedarcrest H.S. girls softball as well as being a substitute teacher after retirement. Marc enjoyed serving as a board member for the Bear Creek United Methodist Church. Karen and Marc moved to Port Orchard after their children graduated high school and loved cruising around Puget Sound.

The family shared time between homes, one in Duvall and the other on the Long Beach Peninsula. Marc loved his time spent in his boat fishing and crabbing in the ocean and bay, not to mention hours building sand castles and camp fires. Marc had many happy memories of hosting family and friends at the beach.

Marc started in the foam rubber and plastics industry in 1977. He worked for various companies and then successfully owned and operated his own. Marc worked for American Excelsior Company the last ten years of his career. He retired in 2018 and he and Karen moved to Lake Stevens.

Marc was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinson's in 2023. He lived at home until Karen could no longer care for him. Four months before his death he moved to Lola Bella Memory Care where he received excellent care. Marc passed away peacefully from respiratory complications with his family by his side. He took his illness in stride and remained good-humored.

Marc was a people person, warm, outgoing and was an excellent listener. He was witty and always had a joke to share. Marc lived a life filled with purpose, meaningful relationships, and personal fulfillment. He was one of a kind and will be missed but never forgotten.