Arthur Marvin Bretsen

Arthur Marvin Bretsen, 96, of Poulsbo passed away peacefully Wednesday evening in Bremerton. Born in the Ballard Section of Seattle, WA., he was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Klippenberg) Bretsen.


A graduate of Ballard High School Class of 1940, Arthur went to work on the riveting gangs at Todd Dry Dock until joining the Navy in 1943.

During his service time, Arthur would earn the rank of Quarter Master aboard the USS Wren DD 568; a ship on which he would tour both the North and South Pacific.

After his honorable discharge, Arthur met and married his true love Margaret to whom he has been married for over 60 years. The couple moved to Bainbridge Island, where Arthur would spend over 55 years as a Master Builder of Custom Homes, retiring in 1983.

Preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Miki Pappas, his son Marvin (Butch) Bretsen, his brother Jim Bretsen, and his granddaughter Jessica Odden, Arthur is survived by his daughter; Sandra Odden of Portsmouth, VA., his granddaughter Shiela Riker and her husband Sean of Port Orchard, his grandson Scott Worthington of Hudson, Ohio, granddaughter Leslie McMillan of Portsmouth, VA., and granddaughters Dennie Delaney, Rena Bretsen, and Dawn Bretsen all of Poulsbo, WA. along with 16 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.


Services will be private with the interment being made in Seabold Cemetery on Bainbridge Island. Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.