Dr. Louis William Truschel

Dr. Louis William Truschel of Ferndale, WA passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones in Bellingham, Washington on February 23, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Truschel, his son Jeff Truschel, daughter Angie (Truschel) Mogilefsky, daughter-in-law Christine Truschel, son-in-law Wayne Mogilefsky, and grandchildren Alexandra Truschel, Dominick Truschel, and Nicole Mogilefsky, as well as his beloved rescue dog Maggie. Louis was born on October 10, 1943 in Rockford, Illinois to Selma (Lass) Truschel and William Louis Truschel. Louis was an only child and attended many elementary schools as his father was stationed in various locations during his Army service including Bainbridge Island, Washington, Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and even overseas in Germany. In these early years, Louis became an avid reader who was passionate about history and geography. He began his extensive stamp collection during these early years. Louis graduated from Clover Park High School in Tacoma, Washington early, at the age of 17. He was the first in his family to attend college and studied history and political science at Pacific Lutheran University. In 1964, during his senior year at PLU, he met Judy and they married one year later on December 23, 1965, in Spokane, Washington. Afterwards, he went to Northwestern University for his Master’s Degree in History, and the young couple moved to Evanston, Illinois. Louis and Judy then flew to Gaborone, Botswana, and then London, England where he completed research for his dissertation to earn his PhD. Upon return to Evanston, Illinois, daughter Angie was born. Louis took care of her during work hours when she was a baby while typing his final dissertation and Judy worked as a secretary. After earning his PhD, specializing in African and European History, Louis was hired at Western Washington University in Bellingham. Soon after, son Jeff was born and the family of four moved to Ferndale, Washington. Louis taught African History, European History, Western Civilization, and WWII history for 40 years. During these years, Louis continued collecting stamps, reading books, and playing board and video games with friends. Louis and Judy also loved taking care of pets over the years, including 3 large dogs, and any stray cat that found its way to their door. Louis was always passionate about travel. Once he retired, he and Judy visited various regions of the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. More recently, Louis enjoyed the historical sites in Paris and Chartes in France with his son Jeff and his family. Louis was an active church member for decades, and he particularly enjoyed creating trivia questions for the Fourth Tuesday Potluck event at Trinity Lutheran Church. He was known to give stamps, books, and a history lesson to anyone he regularly came into contact with. Two days before he passed, he was talking about King Henry VIII with the ICU doctor. Louis will be buried at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, WA in a private ceremony, and his memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church on March 13. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the NOAH Animal Center of Stanwood, WA, the organization that rescued Louis’ beloved Maggie.

Dr. Louis William Truschel

October 10, 1943 - February 23, 2026