Harley E. Sittner

Harley E. Sittner, 80, of Oak Harbor, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2012, in Coupeville.

Harley was born in Ellsworth, KS, Oct. 25, 1931, to Ernest and Eva (Moyer) Sittner. Most of his school years were spent in Eugene, OR. He served two years in Korea as a heavy weapons infantryman with the rank of sergeant first class. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for Meritorious Service, but didn’t receive the medal until 38 years later.

On Nov. 21, 1959, Harley married Mary Beard. They resided in the Sacramento area until March 2003, when they moved to Oak Harbor.

Harley worked as a laborer foreman for many years building power houses and dams in the Sierras for flood control, as well as working on many commercial buildings and schools in the areas surrounding Sacramento.

Harley’s passion was square dancing and he was wagonmaster for their Sacramento club for 27 years. Here he and Mary have been members of the Whidbey Whirlers.

Harley is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Randall (Kim) of Greenbank and daughter Melalee Peterson (Paul) of North Highlands, CA; three grandchildren, Isaiah and Moriah Sittner of Greenbank and Jason Jensen of Sacramento; brothers-in-law Ken Beard (Mieko) of Oak Harbor, Don Beard (Joanne) of Sedona, AZ, and Dale Beard of Graham, WA; step-grandchildren, Eric Peterson (Tammy) and daughter Lily,and Stacy Spaeth (Johannes) and son Ronin; also, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Lois Williams.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 16, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at Living Hope Foursquare Church, 105 NW Broadway, Coupeville. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.