DORI MONSON

Futile gesture by Seattle couple that left estate to government

May 20, 2015, 3:42 PM | Updated: May 21, 2015, 7:07 am

The government spent a couple’s estate in less than 10 seconds, which is why KIRO Radio&#8217...

The government spent a couple's estate in less than 10 seconds, which is why KIRO Radio's Dori Monson believes it was a waste. (AP photo)

(AP photo)

Start a timer. Stop it when it reaches 7.6 seconds.

That’s how fast the government spent a West Seattle couple’s entire estate, which was left to the Department of Treasury in their wills. Their wills totaled $847,215.57.

Though it was a nice gesture, being portrayed as a feel-good story, the money could have been donated to a much better cause, KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson said.

Peter and Joan Petrasek did not have children, The Seattle Times reports. The immigrants chose to give back to the government that provided for them.

Peter died on May 5, 2012. His wife predeceased him by 13 years, the Times reports. It took about three years to have their estate put in order, including selling off their belongings.

The check was made out to the Department of Treasury in April.

The money would have been better used at a charity, Dori said. With the U.S. government’s tremendous debt, the amount the Petrasek’s willed is gobbled up in less than eight seconds.

“They could actually impact lives, instead of feeding the monster,” Dori added.

The couple’s money would have lasted longer if it had been burned, Dori’s producer, Jake Skorheim, said.

The only way donating one’s estate would benefit the government is if the budget was balanced. And “we’re getting really close to balancing the budget…” Dori said sarcastically.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Futile gesture by Seattle couple that left estate to government