William Verne Lauman, Jr.

Bill Lauman was born in Seattle, WA, the son of Carolyn and William Verne Lauman. Because he was named after his father,his parents gave him the nickname Butch from the very start. He continued to be called Butch by all who knew him until he went off to college, and those who knew him from his early days continued to call him Butch all his life. 

Bill/Butch grew up in Bellevue, WA and graduated as valedictorian from Bellevue High School in 1958. There he met his future wife Kerri Wolfstone. The high school sweethearts married in 1963 once they had both graduated from Stanford University and were married for 61 years. Their daughter Galen was born in 1968, and their son David in 1971. Family was central to Bill’s life and a source of great joy and pride. 

Summers during college, Bill worked for Seattle First National Bank. He enjoyed banking because it was “a people business” and spent his entire 40-year career at the bank. He retired at age 60 as Senior Vice President. 

Bill was an avid backpacker and enjoyed many years of hiking with his buddies both in the United States and abroad including two Coast-to-Coast hikes across England. 

After he retired, Bill became quite an expert on the Lewis and Clark expedition and led Elderhostels on that subject for several years. Bill and Kerri also enjoyed travel and took at least one trip abroad and one in the Unites States each year until his health made that impossible. 

From age 11, he enjoyed going to the family cabin on the Wenatchee River, and more than 30 years ago he and Kerri bought a second home, Quietwater,just downriver - a spot near and dear to their hearts and those of their extended family and friends. Many happy times were spent there, and many wonderful memories treasured. 

For many years Bill was an active member of East Shore Unitarian Church in Bellevue, WA where he served as Treasurer, Chair of the Endowment Committee, founding Co-chair of the church auction, and as a member of the Partner Church Committee. He was awarded Steward of Partnership by the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council, a high honor. He also served on the boards of many charitable organizations and on the board of Bush School. 

Bill and Kerri lived in Bellevue, Mukilteo, and for the last many years in Seattle. They moved to Horizon House in 2020. 

Bill is survived by his wife Kerri, daughter Galen (Jon),grandchildren Aaron (Payton) and Maya (Johnny), son David (Cindy) and granddaughter Elizabeth. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and by infant grandchildren Emily and John. 

Bill’s family is very grateful for the wonderful care he received for so long from his caregivers, especially Solomon who cared for him for nearly 5 years, and for all of the Assisted Living staff. 

Remembrances in Bill’s honor can be given to Horizon House Partners in Caring or to a charity of your choice. 

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Horizon House at 2pm, Saturday, March 22nd, 2025.