polish club – aberdeen, wa

Dave Donald Godfrey, 84, former Aberdeen resident, died Monday, July 17, 2023, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington.

Dave was born on Sept. 23, 1938, in Pe Ell, Washington to Herbert Boyd and Theresa (Novak) Godfrey. His family moved to Aberdeen when he was 8, where he attended local schools and graduated from Weatherwax in 1958 a very proud Bobcat. He then attended trade school in Tacoma for carpentry, from which he launched a 40-plus year career as a respected union carpenter.

He worked for several local contractors, spending the last 15 years of his work life with Rognlin’s, a company with which he was proud to be associated. Dave worked on many large construction projects and was well respected in the industry as a top-flight, hard-working and fearless carpenter, often taking on risky tasks passed upon by others. He was the man walking the edge of a high bridge, hanging on a rope inside a tall smokestack or fastening a bolt on framing many stories high. His family is proud of the many buildings, bridges and highway overpasses he helped build, and they will always think of him whenever they cross or pass under the (new) I-90 bridge in Seattle.

On May 6, 1961, Dave married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Josephine Zawislak, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and together they made their home in Central Park and soon thereafter in the Wishkah Valley, where they raised their daughters Linda and Carmen. In 1988, the couple moved to their home on Totten Inlet near Shelton, where they enjoyed retirement on the Sound before recently moving to Tumwater.

Dave was well known for his big laugh and gregarious nature and led a very active life. He was a member of the Polish Club and the Aberdeen Eagles; and he was a respected and talented hunter, with his highlight achievement a record setting 7×7 antlered Roosevelt Elk that is still listed in the Boone and Crockett record book. Dave also enjoyed competitive bowling and horseshoes, the latter of which he shared with his father, Herb, while attending many regional tournaments together. One of Dave’s later passions was his secret blackberry patch, which he tapped for buckets and buckets of berries for pies that Dorothy would make for the family. He steadfastly kept the location under wraps for years until, finally, he took his daughter, Carmen, and her husband to see it last year. He also enjoyed traveling to watch and follow his granddaughters and the children of other family members engage in their various activities, and he was very proud of them all.

Dave is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Godfrey of Tumwater, Washington; his two daughters, Linda (Chris) Gulick of Seattle, Washington and Carmen (J.J.) Quintana of Seattle, Washington; three granddaughters, Alicia (Carson) Massey of Seattle, Washington, Allison Quintana of Boston, Massachusetts and Catherine Quintana of Rochester, New York; a great-grandson, Mason Grant Massey, a brother, Herb (Sharon) Godfrey of Grayland, Washington; and sisters Betty (Tony) Meyers of Aberdeen and Judy (Keith) Folkers of Hoquiam. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Theresa; his nephew, Kurt Godfrey and his brother-in-law, Keith Folkers.

Phyllis J.Kulich passed away on July 26, 2023. Phyllis was born on Nov. 30, 1936, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to George and Doris (Martin) Parshall. In 1944, Phyllis moved to the Grays Harbor area and attended Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen, Washington.

On Oct. 10, 1956, Phyllis married the love of her life Ed Kulich, who now survives her at the family home. Phyllis worked for a telephone company for one year before switching to GH Paper Company who she was with up until her retirement in 1990. She attended South Aberdeen Baptist Church and was a Polish Club Member as well. Phyllis loved to sew, collect dolls, and make her famous blackberry and peach pies for everyone to enjoy.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents George and Doris; brother James Parshall; and sisters June and Bonnie Kalinowski. She is survived by her husband Ed Kulich; son Steve Kulich of Olympia; daughter-in-law Becky Kulich; 3 grandchildren, Kyle, Kelly and Kayla, 2 great-grandchildren Apollo and Adryan and one on the way; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the South Aberdeen Baptist Church in memory of Phyllis.

To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit http://www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.

Please join us for our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast on Sunday, May 14. Breakfast starts at 10:30am in the dining hall. FREE for members. $20 per guest. $5 for children under 12 years of age.

Contact Don Norkoski to reserve your seats at (360) 581-5806 or email the Polish Club at aberdeenpolishclub@gmail.com.

Dear Polish Club Member,

We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to remind you that your membership with the Polish Club is due and we kindly ask that you renew your membership soon.

To renew your membership and make your payment, please click on the following link: Membership Renewal or Cancelation. The link will take you to a page where you can complete your renewal or cancel your membership.

Thank you for your continued support of the Polish Club. We look forward to another year of promoting Polish culture and heritage.

Please note: If you renewed your membership at our annual Christmas Dinner, no further action is needed.

Due to lack of ticket sales the 2023 Oyster Feed has been canceled. For those whom have already purchase tickets, please contact your seller for a full refund.

The first pączki have started to bloom in Poland for Fat Thursday!

To most Polish Americans, Paczki Day means making a ton of Paczki and binge-eating them in the company of family and friends. This day is celebrated before Lent. Since Lent is a time of sacrifice, Paczki were created to use up a household’s supplies of things that the family wouldn’t be able to eat during Lenten fasting. This included lard, sugar, eggs, and more. It was basically a day for people to fill up on all the goodness they’d have to give up for the next month.

In America, Paczki Day is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday (also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras). However, in Poland, Paczki were made and purchased the most on Fat Thursday, which is the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Paczki Day is also celebrated on Fat Thursday in some cultures because it marks the start of the final week before Lent. But either way, a lot of Paczki are made and enjoyed by many Polish people on either day. 

This tradition is unique since it dates back to at least the Middle Ages. That means Paczki recipes have been around for a long time. But, just like traditions themselves, the recipes have evolved as time has gone on. Modern versions of paczki are filled with custard or cream, and some are even covered with glaze or sprinkles. Some well-known modern flavors include lemon, Nutella, and strawberry. 

To learn more click here.

In remembrance of our lifetime member of the Polish Club.

Frank cherished his youth while growing up in South Side during the 50’s. Due to the example of his hard working parents he developed a exemplary work ethic. During his Jr. year @ AHS he joined the Naval Reserves and the year after graduation enlisted in the US Navy eventually being honorably discharged.  In 1970 he and Rosemarie (Zembal) were married. Their families had been good friends for decades. 

After they were married, they lived in Tumwater while working as a laborer for Randich and Sons, Quigg Bros. and Roglin’s. He always gave 100% and was known for his very strong work ethic throughout is career.  In 1979 the family, which now included, Frank III, Jennie and Julie, moved to Cosmopolis. At the age of 31 he was diagnosed with MS but continued work. After leaving Randich and Sons, he contracted his own business for two years, encompassing carpentry and concrete work, as much as his health would allow.

When he fully retired and could no longer work, he became a full time, cook, housekeeper, and extremely busy father and volunteer while Rosemarie taught. Frank was a dedicated family man.

He was involved in sports with all three of his kids. For six years he coached his son’s soccer team and was fully involved in both of his daughters’ sporting activities. He followed his kids’ sporting events from grade school through college. Aside from being the best volunteer parent he was also the loudest. Everyone knew when Frank was there! 

Frank was a Title 9 spearhead and became instrumental in starting a Girl’s Soccer program @ AHS in Julie’s Sophomore year. 

While Frank was still able he and his family spent much time traveling, both with the kids, and later, extensively with Rosemarie. Camping was the highlight of his summer and fall. 

He loved his morning coffee times with his buddies @ Captain’s Corner and Swanson’s Cafe. He cherished his neighbors, especially in Walt’s garage. 

Frank was a community minded as anyone could be. His volunteerism was beyond reproach. He guided the Cosi Volunteer Fire Assn. during the building of the Denny York Fire Museum, and was proud to have been named as an honorary CFVD member. Wanting to serve his community further he then became a Cosi Councilman. If asked he would never say no to the next volunteer project. While his kids were still attending Cosi Elementary he was honored with the title ‘Volunteer of the Year. Not only did he volunteer his talents to his community but to any friend or organization if asked.

As a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and later St. John’s Catholic Church he valued his faith. Although, from time to time he was heard snoring during the sermons even once dropping off into slumber on Sister Maryann’s shoulder seated next to him. As she blurted surprise the congregation reacted in laughter. He always felt very supported by his faith community. 
Over the years he and his family cooked & served @ Feed the Hungry program.

As we all know Frank was a good man, generous to a fault, was known for his dependability, perseverance, loyalty, humor, a man with no filter, and will always be remembered as at truly unique character. Heaven will not be silent ever again! 

The family is very appreciative of the excellent care over the years by Nicole, Sonia, Michael, and Faith, the Harbors Home Health and Hospice nurses. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Drewnorth Foundation Non-Profit, for mental health/ suicide awareness and scholarship fund, 356 Taucher Rd, Onalaska, WA 98570.

This event is for our members and their guests. Contact any trustee for tickets. Event starts with shooters at 5 PM, stew at 5:30 PM and dinner at 6 PM. Members are asked to bring an item for the “WHEEL”. For questions, please email us at aberdeenpolishclub@gmail.com

Trustee Members: Don Norkoski, John Stephens, Frank Majeski, Lucy Machowek, Mike Rajcich, John Kaczmarczyk, Jim Parnell, Ed Kulich, Jeannine Bramstedt, or Phil Kalisch.

RESCHEDULED! Our annual business meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 5th in the Polish Club Dining Hall starting at 1pm. Lunch will be provided.