Timothy Richard Stenek, 64, of Elma, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, in Harborview Medical Center.

Mr. Stenek was born July 18, 1938, to Albert and Irene Stenek in Portland, Ore. He was raised on Vashon Island. He played basketball, baseball, was the class president and graduated from Vashon High School in 1957.

He married his high school sweetheart Linda Lewis in August 1957 at the “Hitching Post” in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. They lived for a short time on Vashon Island and West Seattle, but later moved to Elma where they lived together and raised their family.

Mr. Stenek began cutting meat as an apprentice at the age of 16 at Kimmel’s Market on Vashon. After graduation he worked at various super markets and Western Pack in Seattle before moving to Elma. He worked at many super markets before starting his own business full time.

He established Tim’s Custom Meats in 1975. He built the business on the premise that if he couldn’t put the meat on his own table, he wouldn’t put it on your’s. He became known for his smoked meats and sausages under his trademark “Meat Master’s Brand.” He also spent time catering many dinners, fundraisers, and events, which he enjoyed because it allowed him to talk to thousands of people all at one time. Mr. Stenek also supported the Gray’s Harbor 4H and FFA youth by helping them raise funds by flooring prices and purchasing animals for processing at the Gray’s Harbor County Fair.

Throughout his years on Vashon and in Elma and the Gray’s Harbor area, Mr. Stenek kept busy coaching Little League and Babe Ruth teams. After his own children were finished playing, he continued his support of local teams and leagues by being a sponsor. He was known by many as spearheading many activities in the Harbor for the good of the community.

Mr. Stenek, according to friends, showed his devotion to God by giving his time and service to Grace Community Church by leading music during worship services every Sunday, attending Bible studies, and fellowshiping with his friends. He spent many hours each week reading the Bible and listening to songs of praise at home and work. He gave his time, money, and materials to numerous remodeling projects the church went through. He was a church board member and deacon who loved singing and spent many of his last days singing with his family and to the staff at the hospital. He felt blessed in knowing that all of his children were saved by the Lord Jesus Christ. He was an inspiration to all who came into contact with him.

Mr. Stenek enjoyed traveling throughout the United States but spent the most vacation time in the Washington Cascades especially around the Cispus River near Randle, Wash. He and his wife loved hosting a yearly summer campout for many families and friends for more than ten years. He was a skilled river rafter and enjoyed taking people on white water rides especially those going for their first ride. He also enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren, where he could share quality family time in God’s creation.

Mr. Stenek is survived by his wife Linda of Elma; children Cherese Smith of Witchita Falls, Texas; Teresa Stenek of Bellingham; Tim Stenek of McCleary; Doug Stenek of Elma; Kenneth Stenek of Shishmaref, Alaska; Darcy Potts of Elma; Katarina Carter of Olympia; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his siblings Patricia and Charles.

A Celebration of Life in his memory was at Grace Community Church in Elma on Saturday, Jan. 18.

Donations in Mr. Stenek’s memory are suggested to the Northwest Burn Foundation, 1515 NW 52nd Street, Suite A, Seattle, WA 98107 for making it possible for the families of burn victims to stay close to their loved one in an apartment close to the hospital; or to Grace Community Church, PO Box 537, Elma, WA 98541.