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Eugene “Gene” Klinger
After nearly 30 years, Eugene “Gene” Klinger has joined his beloved Verna Belle in heaven. Surrounded by his seven children in the family home, Gene passed peacefully on July 22.
Gene is survived by his seven children — Ron (Toni) Klinger, Linda (Ron) Tagman, Sharon (Monte) Dahlstrom, Rich (Peggy) Klinger, Chuck (Karen) Klinger, Sherri Klinger and Terri (Reva Savala) Klinger.
Gene is also survived by his 12 grandchildren — Scott (Denise) Klinger, Gretchen (Tom) Cadora, Ryan (Leah) Klinger, Roni Sue (Aaron Phillis) Toyra, Holly (Jeff) Klingelhoffer, Heidi (George) Shedd, Keisha (Kelley) Ferguson, Brandon (Stephanie) Klinger, Kyle (Nikki) Klinger, Jeff Klinger, Matt (Janell) Klinger and Isaac Klinger.
Gene leaves behind 22 great-grandchildren — Madison Klinger, Blake Klinger, Kyan Klinger, Kari Klinger, Andrew Cadora, Billie (Tighe) Dickinson, Josie Toyra, Hunter Klingelhoffer, Cody Klingelhoffer, Nathan Klingelhoffer, Kenzie Shedd, Kaylee Shedd, Colton Ferguson, Ella Ferguson, Danielle Klinger Wegner, Lindsay Klinger Wegner, Zachary Klinger, Hayden Klinger, Kate Klinger, Carson Klinger, Kallie Klinger and Brooklyn Klinger.
In addition to his immediate family, Gene is survived by several nieces and nephews. Last, and certainly not least, Gene leaves behind Roscoe P. Klinger — his beloved dog and consummate companion.
Eugene Klinger was born on Oct. 1, 1924, to Bernard and Grace (Rand) Klinger. He was born in Winona, Minn. where he spent his childhood along with his four siblings — Bill Klinger, Earl Klinger, Ruth Kukowski and Margaret Hengel.
At the age of 17, Gene lied about his age and enlisted in the United States Navy. He’d serve the next four years aboard the USS Salamaua (CVE-96).
During a brief trip to port in Bremerton, Gene caught the eye of Shelton native Verna Belle Hurst. For the next few years, they exchanged countless love letters to stay in-touch. Following Gene’s honorable discharge, he returned to Verna Belle and they married
on Oct. 25, 1945.
Almost 70 years later, Gene made good on his promise to love her all the days of his life.
Gene and Verna Belle would eventually settle in Grays Harbor. He worked for both Anderson Middleton and Weyerhauser, before spending over 30 years at Simpson Timber Company. He retired as a Construction Superintendent at Camp Grisdale and Govey.
In addition to his work at Simpson, Gene started a small shake mill in his garage — a business endeavor he’d eventually bring to Montesano.
Gene and Verna Belle raised their seven children in Grisdale. He made it his goal that his children would never go without — all while instilling the value of hard work. Together, the nine Klingers enjoyed berry picking at the secret hot spots, cascara bark peeling, trips to the swimming hole, fir cone picking and picnic lunches.
Gene was an avid traveler and visited 49 of the 50 states. Gene and Verna Belle would take a trip any chance that they could get. Hawaii, Mexico and Australia were just a few of their favorite destinations.
In addition to raising his family, his work and his traveling, Gene was an active member of the VFW, Elks, Moose and Eagles.
Later in life, Gene’s days were simple. He began his mornings drinking coffee at the Beehive alongside his best friend Ed Prkut. One of his favorite pastimes included exercising his quick wit on anyone who would listen — waitresses, friends and even out-of-towners.
Gene spent his days tending to his garden, watching WWII documentaries, and making the occasional trip to the casino to play slot machines. While gambling, he’d occasionally indulge in a glass of White Zinfandel — or two.
His favorite times were those he shared with his family. He got endless enjoyment out of making his way to softball games, football games, school recitals, etc. He took an enormous amount of pride in his family — even through his gentle teasing that was all but unyielding.
Gene especially enjoyed holidays — he hosted Christmas morning for the entire Klinger family in his home every year. Grandma Klinger’s famous biscuits were always on the menu. Thanksgivings were spent at Monte Lanes — a more comfortable setting for the 60+ Klingers who showed up on any given year. He also made his way to countless birthday parties, weddings and family dinners.
Gene’s time with us may be over, but his story is only just beginning. His example of unconditional love, devotion to family, hard work and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing will live on in the family and friends he leaves behind.
For so many, he was a reminder of what was good in the world. Gene was a simple man whose number one priority was always clear — be the best husband, father, grandpa and friend he could be. He made us laugh. He encouraged us. He called us out — when necessary. A master of tough love, he left absolutely no doubt how much he cared for his family and friends.
As for the seven of us who called him ‘Dad’ and 34 of us who called him ‘Grandpa’, we will always count our relationship with Gene as one of life’s greatest blessings.
A graveside service will be held at the Wynooche cemetery on Aug. 14 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the Moose Lodge in Montesano.
The Klinger Family suggests that memorials be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (383 Main Avenue 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851).
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano.
John Wayne Deegan
John Wayne Deegan, age 64 years young, of Central Park, passed away June 16.
At the center of John’s life were his beloved wife of 25 years, Janet; his son Michael, and his wife Emily; son John, and his wife Lauren; step-daughter Kandra, and her husband Andrew; step-son Todd, and his wife Caitlin; and grandchildren Colin, Avery, Zoe and Elizabeth. John is also survived by his father Charles Robert Deegan; his brother Chuck and innumerable extended family and friends.
Born in Big Timber, Montana, John’s admiration for the outdoors spread throughout his life. As an educated Forester at Humboldt State, John not only took great pride in extending his knowledge of the wilderness, but also found great joy in sharing his love of the backwoods with those around him. From Montana to California to Oregon to Washington, John explored, camped, photographed, floated, fanny packed, climbed, logged and truly embraced the Northwest as a spectator and highly regarded member of Weyerhaeuser.
Along with a deep appreciation for nature, John will be remembered for his laughter, carefree personality, athletic ability, gentle look and youthful spirit. His passion for life and compassion for his family and friends will be his enduring legacy. He will be missed. He will be remembered always.
Alex Ghilarducci The Mayor of Maple Lane has left the building.
Alex Ghilarducci, 88, died at his home of 59 years in Central Park Wednesday afternoon, July 29, 2015. He was born to Alfredo and Helen (Rumney) Ghilarducci in Aberdeen on June 20, 1927.
He was raised at Brooklyn, Wash., and then came to Aberdeen in later school years, attending Weatherwax High School.
The advent of World War II made him want to join the Marines at age 17, but his mother would not sign. She allowed him to join the Navy, though, serving from 1944 through 1948. He was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal, Philippines Liberation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Following the War until he was discharged in 1948, he trained and served as a “hard hat” diver. The Korean Conflict would catch up to him like many others and was called back to service in the Navy for two years starting in 1950, as he served on the aircraft carrier USS Essex along with shipmate and first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. Alex was awarded the Korean Service Medal with one star and the United Nations service Medal.
Between services he had gone to work at the mills, mostly at Evans Plywood and would get married
to the former Charleen Mae McConnell on Oct. 22, 1949. She would pass away here Dec. 10, 2005.
After the Korean Conflict, Alex was a logger for Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. and would retire in 1989.
Alex enjoyed fishing for salmon and camping out at Blue Lake in Eastern Washington and Lake Cushman, where he would teach all the kids how to water ski. The family said he was a sight to behold water skiing in cutoff logger pants and suspenders.
He also got into the family tradition of wine making and there was, of course, the family dinners every Sunday at Grandpa Fred’s house.
He is survived by a son, Michael and wife Sonna Ghilarducci, Seattle; a daughter, Janice and husband George Johnson, Wishkah Valley; a son-in-law, Phillip Trudell, Everett, the husband of a daughter, Jeri Trudell, who passed away in 1998; two sisters, Betty Ludwig, Hoquiam and Norma and husband William Liddle, Rochester, Wash.; a nephew, Glenn Ludwig, Aberdeen; nine grandchildren, Galen, Andrew and Brynn Johnson, Jessica Desimone, Grant and Stefania Ghilarducci and April, Nicole and Richard Trudell, and also six great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his half-brother, James “Sonny” Dallas; as well as nephews Steve Ludwig and Jimmy Liddle.
A celebration of Alex’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in the chapel at Fern Hill Funeral Home. A reception will follow in the Dorothy Mann Reception Room at the funeral home. Private inurnment will have taken place for Alex and Charleen in Fern Hill cemetery.
The family is planning a second gathering of family and friends for later in the Summer at a place everyone knows about, “In the Garage.”
The family suggests memorials may be made to the Jeri Trudell Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 400 E. 1st St., Aberdeen, WA 98520 or the Central Park Fire Department, 6317 Olympic Hwy., Aberdeen, WA 98520.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, 2208 Roosevelt St., Aberdeen.
Richard Lorance Dossett (Froggy)
Richard Lorance Dossett (Froggy) was born Oct. 29, 1935 to the Rev. Lorance and Frances Dossett. He left us on July 31, 2015 due to an accident the previous day.
He is survived by his wife Judy, sons Erik, and Ian Dossett, grandchildren Courtney, Catelyn and Keegan Dossett and brother Paul Dossett and sister Zoanne Wilkie.
After graduating from high school, Richard served in the U.S. Navy. After fulfilling his military duty, he returned home and attended the University of Puget Sound, majoring in vocal music.
Richard was very active in community theater in Tacoma. While performing in the play “Picnic” he met and married
Judy Jackson. They moved around the state while Judy completed her college degree in Education. Subsequently, Dick and Judy moved to Alaska.
Richard was greatly admired in Anchorage as popular radio personality C.W. Frog or Froggy. Again, He was very involved, along with his wife Judy, in the community theater where they were featured in many roles, both dramatic and musical. One of the most memorable being the musical “I Do, I Do.”
Eventually, Dick and Judy moved back to Washington and settled in Montesano where he lived until now.
We will miss his beautiful tenor voice as well as his delightful (and offbeat) sense of humor.
One thing he would want everyone to know about him — he would want you to hear him sing.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m, Wednesday, Aug. 5 at the Montesano United Methodist Church, 401 E. Spruce Avenue.
Alfred Lenart Carlberg
Alfred Lenart Carlberg, 88, a lifetime resident of Grays Harbor died Monday July 20, 2015, at Grays Harbor Health & Rehab in Aberdeen. He was born May 15, 1927, in Aberdeen, Wash., to Swedish immigrants Sven and Jenny Carlberg, who preceded him in death.
He grew up in Aberdeen living on East 2nd Street and attended Sam Benn Elementary, Miller Jr. High and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1945. He was a member of the Sea Scouts during junior high school. After graduating high school, Alfred worked for the Acme Door Company in Hoquiam prior to entering the U.S. Army. He served in the Korean War between October 1950 through September of 1952, as a corporal within the 45th Division. He was assigned to a communications section working as a radio operator. He received numerous service medals including the Korean Service Ribbon and Combat Infantry Badge, Korean War. He enjoyed attending his army reunions over the years as well as his high school reunions.
On Nov. 7, 1953, he married
Barbara May Yarrow at Trinity Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. She preceded him in death in 2011. Alfred began a 25 year career with the Aberdeen Fire Department beginning in September of 1954 and finally retiring in July of 1979 as a driver/engineer. During his fire department career he also had a yard maintenance business he did as a second job. After retiring from those, he worked with a few of his retired firefighter co-workers for Fern Hill cemetery as a maintenance person for eight years.
Alfred enjoyed reading, military history, cars, working in his garden, going to air shows, but most of all being around his family. He was an avid high school and college football fan and enjoyed watching the Aberdeen Bobcats, WSU Cougars and USC Trojans. He dearly loved his many cats he had over the years. He was a member of the Elks, VFW and Amazing Grace church (formerly Trinity Lutheran)
Alfred was survived by three sons, Dave (Debbie) Spokane, Wash., John (Christine) Brooklyn N.Y., Mark (Heidi) Custer Washington, and a daughter Nancy of Montesano, Wash. Alfred had six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen on Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. where full military honors will be accorded. Arrangement’s are entrusted to Fern Hill and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Aberdeen Fire Department, 700 W. Market St. Aberdeen, Wash.
Carol Ann Kelly Gutierrez
Carol Ann Kelly Gutierrez, 74, a 17-year resident of Ocean Shores, passed away at her home there Wednesday, July 22, 2015. She was born in Elma, Wash., on Dec. 11, 1940, the daughter of Harry M. and Mabel (Larson) Kelly. She graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1958 and also from Grays Harbor College in 1960 with training in waitressing. She was very proud of this training.
She was a civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force and had been a waitress in Oregon, California and for a time at the Morck Hotel in Aberdeen. Also, she took up housecleaning jobs. She had also lived in Michigan and Tennessee, coming back to the Harbor in 1979. She worked at the Wonder Bread and Hostess Day-old Store in South Aberdeen.
Carol enjoyed housecleaning, homemaking and also gardening and decorating, making nearly every task special in her own way, helping others any way she could.
She is survived by three daughters: Merilee Barnes and Nicole Day, both of Ocean Shores and Cindy Marsing, Talent, Ore.; a son: Shawn Day, Ocean Shores; a sister: Jacquelynn Rowland, Hoquiam; and also seven grandchildren and many friends with an family type relationship with the Holman family, Peggy, Don, Carolyne and Rosalia.
A celebration of Carol’s life is being planned for a later date and it will be announced in The Daily World.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Merilee Barnes to help defray funeral costs at P.O. Box 84, Hoquiam, WA 98550.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.
Rex Christner
Rex Christner, 82, Aberdeen/Olympia resident, died in Olympia on Monday, June 8, 2015, surrounded by his family.
Rex was born on July 24, 1932, in Winfield, Kan., moving to Hutchinson as a small child. He remained there with his parents, Elva and Harry Christner, until joining the Air Force.
While stationed in Las Vegas, Nev., Rex married
Gayle Callahan on July 6, 1956. After being stationed in numerous places throughout the United States and Japan they returned to California in 1966 following his Honorable Discharge. Rex worked as a telephone engineer throughout his career until his retirement. He and Gayle moved to Aberdeen in 1990, where they lived until the they lost their home to a mud slide in January 2015. Rex was a beautiful tenor, performing in community theater and as a church soloist. He loved woodworking and leather crafting/tooling, creating many treasures for his family. Rex’s sense of sense of humor and kind manner touched everyone he encountered, endearing him to all.
Rex is survived by his son, Tim Christner of Hoquiam and daughters: Janet (Jim) Maranda of Reno, Nev.; Linda (Lannie) Perkins of Olympia and Susan German of Cosmopolis; grandchildren: Jennifer, Jimmy, Ashley, Christopher, Taylor, Julie, Lauren and Sarah; great-grandchildren: Austin, Joey, Caleb, Sofia, Elijah, Kayli, Kajetan and Elena; close family friend Hayley Nelson. Rex is proceeded in death by his wife of 58 years, Gayle Christner, brother, Keith Christner and grandson, Matthew German.
There will be a graveside service for Rex on Saturday, June 13, 2015, at noon in Fern Hill cemetery, Aberdeen.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
Georgia Kristine Newton
Longtime Harbor resident Georgia Kristine Newton, 61, passed away on May 31, 2015, in Aberdeen. She was born to Merle Jane Baker and George LeRoy Reinke on Dec. 3, 1953, in Aberdeen.
On March 22, 1997, she married
Jeffry A. Newton. She was an LPN and had worked at Sea Mar for nine years.
Georgia enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband Jeffry Newton of Central Park; son Jason Roose of Aberdeen; daughters Donna Pearson (Scott) of Central Park and Kristy Johnson (Terry) of Aberdeen; step-son Raymond Babineau of Elma; and ten grandchildren, Keri, Travis, Amy, Adam, Alicia, Amanda, Scotty, Abbie, Taylor and Eli.
A celebration of life/potluck will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at the South Aberdeen Baptist Church, 620 Fordney Street, Aberdeen.
Peter D. (Butch) Krohn
Butch was born on Dec. 14, 1942 in Seattle. He was adopted by Peder and Ruth Krohn of Hoquiam, joining his adopted brother, Jon Philip. After his parents Peder and Ruth passed away, Butch located a biological half-sister, Joan Johnson, and her family, as well as an uncle. He later traveled to Spain with Joan and they continued to visit back and forth between her home in Lynnwood and Hoquiam.
Butch attended Hoquiam schools, where he enjoyed sports and was the fastest runner at Central Elementary at that time. He graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1961 and maintained his loyalty to Hoquiam by attending school sports and other events. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in volleyball, basketball, flag football, baseball, fast pitch, soccer, track, cheerleading and dance recitals at both Hoquiam and Aberdeen schools.
After high school, Butch attended Grays Harbor College, while also working at Posey Manufacturing Company at night. He completed 6 years of service in the National Guard. In 1970, he started working for the City of Hoquiam, retiring 34 years later as a Foreman for the Street Department in 2004.
In 1966, he married
Thirza Butler and they had three sons. They divorced in 1990, but continued to remain close through the years.
Butch was a humble man, always standing up for whoever he perceived to be an underdog. He loved watching college football, rooting for the Huskies unless they were playing against the Cougars.
One of Butch’s thoughtful acts was when Johnny Green, a man living in a little shack by the Hoquiam River passed away, Butch went to the City Council and proposed that the Riverside Dike be named after Johnny. The city agreed to have a sign erected that says, “The Johnny Green Dike” in memory of him.
Butch served for several years on the Hoquiam Development Association board until it was disbanded. Along with other members, he generously donated time and money for their annual fundraisers. He spread his generosity among multiple charities also.
Butch will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor, kindness, his love of animals and for being a good listener. He enjoyed meeting with his coffee buddies at the Hoquiam Duffy’s, Lana’s Hangar Cafe and Simpson Avenue Grill each morning, where they exchanged stories of local happenings and joked around with restaurant staff.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents: Peder and Ruth Krohn, and brother, Jon Philip Krohn.
Survivors include his sons, Peter “Shane” (Jen) Krohn, Ryan Krohn and Brian (Anita) Krohn; Thirza Krohn, Joan Johnson, grandchildren Jancin, Karlie, Kamryn, Hannah, Josh, Matt and Brianne Krohn, Amanda (Bryan) Nyman and Joey Korst; great-grandson, Wyatt Nyman, several nephews and nieces including Brent Krohn; many good friends, especially Tom Martin (50+ years!), Kerry and Tanya Bowers Anderson, coffee buddies and faithful canine friend, Chewie.
Donations may be made to the Grizzly Alumni Association, PO Box 176, Hoquiam, WA 98550. A private graveside service will be held prior to the memorial service on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Soule Ave., Hoquiam, Wash. at 11:30 a.m.
Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
