Dena (Carlson) Wangsness was born in Smyer, Texas to Karl and Dagny Carlson. The family moved to Mukilteo in 1939. She attended Rose Hill Elementary School in Mukilteo and Everett High School graduating in 1947.

Dena worked for several years for the Federal government as an office administrator and retired from there.

She met Howard Wangsness while on a bowling league in Everett and they married after a year of dating. They shared many happy times there with friends on several bowling leagues. They also enjoyed several road trips together to California and Nevada.

Dena is preceded in death by her sister, Mary (Mary Beth) Cernich.

She enjoyed sewing and needlepoint as well as gardening. She inherited her mother's love of baking, especially fattigmann, lefse and pies during the holiday season.

Dena is survived by her husband of 25 years, Howard Wangsness (Norman), her children Teresa (Steve) Carlson, Steve Fudala and Dee Dee (Andy) Sytsma. She also leaves seven grandchildren Sarah, Maegan, Ashley, Kelsie, Elliott, Brent and Brita as well as two great-grandchildren Zayne and Brystol.

Dena suffered from dementia her last few years increasing in severity until her passing on October 9, 2017. Her loving husband, Howard, and family took wonderful care of her until her last few weeks. Her last few weeks were spent at Golfview Residential Care Facility in Everett. We are so thankful for Adan and Debora and their caring staff as well as Providence Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 27201 99 ^th Ave. NW in Stanwood at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2017.

Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood