Obituary

Jean was born on April 10, 1944, and passed away March 13, 2025. She was born in Bellingham, WA to Al and Wilma Ferngren. She was the second child of three with brother Gary born in 1942 and sister Carol in 1951. During her childhood years she was blessed to live across the alley from her aunt, uncle and four cousins who she spent a lot of time with, especially her cousin Dean, who was two months older. It was a special way to grow up surrounded by so much family.

Jean met her husband of 60 years, Darrel Amundsen, when she was in elementary school. He and her brother were best friends. When Darrel joined the army he and Jean began corresponding. Upon his return they started dating and in March of 1964 they were married. In October of 1965 they had their first child, a daughter, who they named Kimberly (Kim). Almost 8 years later they were thrilled to welcome their son, Scott.

Though much of Jean’s adult years were spent as a homemaker, she worked several years as a ward clerk at two hospitals, one in Bellingham and the other in Seattle for the brief time they lived there. She often talked about how she enjoyed those jobs, having originally wanted to be a nurse.

When Jean was only 18, she developed rheumatoid arthritis. This had a huge effect on her life, especially since the medications in the early days weren’t as advanced as they are today. She suffered a lot for most of her life because of this condition.

Jean and Darrel enjoyed traveling by car and made many trips to multiple locations around the US. They were also blessed to have the opportunity to go on many cruises to Alaska where Darrel would teach while onboard the ship. They also traveled together to Europe and Hawaii.

Jean gave her heart to the Lord as a child and her faith was an integral part of her life. She thought about heaven a lot as she got older, but when Darrel unexpectedly passed away in September of 2024, all the more so. They are now happily reunited in their forever home.

Jean is survived by her daughter Kim (Rod) Koenig, son Scott, grandchildren Kara (Justin) Gudde, Dustin (Brittany) Koenig, Micah (Lexi) Koenig, Celina Amundsen, and great grandson Logan Gudde.

A memorial service to honor Jean will be held on Monday March 24, 2025 at 2pm at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bellingham, on the corner of Lakeway and Woburn.