Denny Zylstra passed away at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the age of 78. He was born on Aug. 18, 1940 to Lysle and Ruth (Armstrong) Zylstra at Polly Harpole’s Maternity Home in Coupeville.

Denny was raised in Coupeville, graduating from Coupeville High School in 1958. He participated in many sports at Coupeville High, which included baseball, basketball, track and football.

He joined the Navy in 1960, also marrying his high school sweetheart Marcia (Vercoe) Zylstra that same year, on July 15, 1960.

He was in the Navy for 20 years. He was stationed at Norfolk, Va., San Francisco, Bremerton, Long Beach, Calif. and retired in Oak Harbor, attached to the VAQ-138 unit, of which he was a plank holder.

He played ball while in the Navy (fast pitch softball, basketball and football). He was also an avid bowler and golfer. After retiring from the Navy, he got his associates degree at Skagit Valley Community College. He also owned his own silk-screening business.

He coached girls fast pitch at Skagit Valley Community College (12 years), Oak Harbor High School (four years) and Coupeville High School (four years). He was also very involved in the local girls fast pitch select teams for many years. He loved camping and being outdoors. He assisted the local meals on wheels program for many years.

Denny is survived by Marcia, his beloved wife of 58 years; three children: Patricia (Kevin) Strege, John (Beth Gardner) Zylstra and Karen Howard; eight grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren, as well as numerous relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lysle and Ruth Zylstra; his four brothers: Ronny, Donny, Larry and Jerry; sister-in-law Retha (Rask) Zylstra; and brother-in-law Eric Vercoe.

The Zylstra family would like to thank Careage of Whidbey for their compassion and professionalism.

A Celebration of Life in Denny’s name is being planned for November, date to be determined.

Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor.