Former sheriff's deputy dies suddenly

• Kulenkamp

Kulenkamp

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SPRING VALLEY--Elvin Kulenkamp, a longtime former deputy with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, died suddenly Sunday. He was 60-years-old.

Investigator Tom Gunderson said he was found at his home in the Town of Spring Lake. Natural causes were ruled to be the cause of death.

Kulenkamp started with the sheriff’s department in 1981 and was promoted to full-time three years later. He worked many roles with the department, including jail/dispatch, patrol deputy, a drug enforcement officer and was a charter member of the Emergency Response Team. He spent his last 15 years on the road before retiring in 2009.

“Going back to the road is the front line,” he said to the Herald in 2009. “It is where you encounter the people that need help the most.”

When asked about his retirement, he said nothing, which is the way he wanted it.

“I’m going to be able to do what I want,” he added. “Fishing in the summer and winter, mechanical work or stuff around the house.”

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. this Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, with visitation from 4-8 p.m. this Thursday at the church and one hour prior to the service Friday.

Kulenkamp is survived by sons Justin and Josh.

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