Karl Harold Studebaker, age 97, of Bellingham, WA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 28, 2016. Karl was born November 12, 1918, in Colville, WA to Harold and Minnie (Culp) Studebaker. He grew up in Skagit County.
After graduating from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1936, Karl worked with his father as a logger. In December 1936, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy eventually serving in the Pacific arena during WWII. In July 1939, Karl took leave and returned to Sedro-Woolley to marry his high school sweetheart, Elsie McInnes. In December 1945, Karl’s military service came to an end, and he returned home to his wife and two sons.
Karl was a tool and die machinist; a trade he learned and used in the service and later employment. He was active in community organizations; Boy Scouts of America (Scout Master), Lions Club and the American Legion, Sedro-Woolley. He was also a lifeguard, taught Hunter’s Safety, and was recognized by the U.S. Power Squadron with a certificate of achievement in Seamanship and advanced piloting. Karl was a strong proponent of the Second Amendment, a lifetime member of the N.R.A. and a founding board member and historian for the Studebaker Family National Association.
Karl was a baseball enthusiast who also enjoyed hunting, exploring the mountains and rivers of Skagit and Whatcom Counties, the company of family and friends, and traveling.
In 2002, Karl married long-time Bellingham resident Mary (Peterson) Rogers. They spent the first few years of their marriage in Sedro-Woolley then moved to Bellingham. Karl’s life demonstrated his love for God. He attended Abundant Life Church in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, and Fountain Community Church in Bellingham.
Karl is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Tom (Dana) and Kendall (JoAnn); step-children, Merilee Stewart (Sam), and John Rogers; grandchildren, Steve (Becky) Studebaker, Kim (Mark) Tenneson, Jill (Mark) Gatto, Shawna (Ryan) Tesarik, Holly (Stephen) Davison, Heidi (Mike) Bohne and Heather (Darren) King; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Karl was preceded in death by his late wife Elsie (McInnes) Studebaker; infant son, Britten Gene Studebaker; parents, Harold and Minnie Studebaker; brothers, William Gene (Bill) and Roy Dewey Studebaker.
Karl was truly a gentleman of gentlemen; treating all he met with kindness and respect. He loved life, his family, and his many friends. His smile, humor, jokes, and “Karlisms” were his, and his only. He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 4, 2016, 2:00 p.m. at the Abundant Life Church, 3210 Meridian St, Bellingham. In memory of Karl, contributions may be made to the Sedro-Woolley Lions Club P.O. Box 631, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Cremation and inurnment arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.