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Bron Eric Lindgren
Bron Eric Lindgren passed away on Aug. 19, 2026, at his home in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born in Chicago to Jane and Ernest (Ernie) Lindgren on July 4, 1953, and grew up in Wheaton, Illinois.
Bron built a life marked by hard work, integrity, faith, and a deep commitment to learning. A mechanic by trade, he worked in a variety of places before establishing his own business, Bron’s Automotive, in 2002.
He approached his work with logic, care for his customers, and a strong belief in doing things the right way. Those people who knew him will remember a man who was well read, generous, genuine, and focused, with a strong moral compass and a steady faith in God.
A graduate of Wheaton Central High School (1971), Bron was fascinated with mechanics from a young age. After briefly studying at the University of Illinois, he traveled up the West Coast from California visiting friends, and eventually settled in Olympia.
He continued his education at South Puget Sound Community College, studying Automotive Technology from 1980 to 1982, and later taking business classes before opening Bron's Automotive.
Important chapters of love and family throughout Bron's life include his first marriage to Lela DePaolo, in 1979. He later married his current wife, Tuula, on April 21, 2001, at St. Christopher’s Community Church in Olympia, Washington.
Bron loved exploring the Puget Sound by boat with his wife and dog. His hobbies included golfing, playing tennis and racquetball, and shooting pool with friends. He loved spending time with family, particularly his children and grandchildren.
He also gave generously of his time to organizations and causes that were important to him. He was very active in West Olympia Rotary Club and its literacy program, St. Christopher’s Community Church and Olympia Yacht Club.
He also served as a member of the Behavioral Health Resources Funding Board and the SPSCC Automotive Advisory Committee. Through his work, service and involvement in the community, he touched many lives and left a meaningful example of engagement and responsibility.
He is survived by his wife, Tuula Lindgren, as well as children Mars Lindgren, Brittany Lindgren (Marc Griffin), Saara Snow, Emilia Snow (Riley Freeman), grandchildren Jorah and Harlan, sisters Diane Forsythe and Karen Nelson (Bruce Nelson), and beloved Joy dog.
Bron will be remembered for his smile and his sense of humor, his razor-sharp mind, his devotion to faith and family, and his unwavering sense of what was right. His life was one of purpose, service and care for others, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service in Bron's honor will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (1515 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502) on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South Puget Sound Community College Foundation in care of the Automotive Program for scholarships and grants, or Senior Services for South Sound.
