Ted Karniss, 96, passed away June 8, 2018, at Maple Street Manor in Pe Ell, Wash.
Ted was born in Doty, Wash., Oct. 19, 1921, to John and Nellie Karnas. The family moved from Doty to Pe Ell when Ted was nine years old. He continued to live on the family farm until moving to Maple Street Manor in the last year of his life.
Ted graduated from Pe Ell High School in 1941. He was one of the first students who helped move the original high school (which is now Evey’s Café), to the current high school. He joined the United States Navy Dec. 13, 1941, serving six years as a Chief Electricians Mate in the Philippines on a repair ship called the “Saint Paul.” He was the last surviving World War II veteran living in the town of Pe Ell.
After his tour with the Navy, he met the love of his life, Clara, who was waiting tables at Mary’s Corner Restaurant. Ted and Clara were married March 3, 1950, and were together 47 years before she passed away in June of 1997.
Ted pulled chain for St. Regis Logging, ran the cut off saw at the Yeoman’s Lumber Company ‘Shake and Shingle’ and sold insurance for Henry Gatch, saving enough money to buy his first new vehicle, a 1953 Chevrolet. He worked for Muller Construction Company for 10 years and retired from the Lewis County Road Department in 1977.
Ted was an avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed reading and he loved flowers of any kind. He and Clara spent many Saturday nights dancing at the Playquato Dance Hall in Adna. He spent many hours and put over 11,000 miles on his 4-wheeler checking his property. He and Clara raised 5 children and together the family raised chickens, pigs, beef cattle, and sold milk and eggs. For many years, Ted enjoyed announcing the home football games and calling in the daily weather report to the Chronicle. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, Boistfort Grange and spent many years as a board member for Pe Ell School District.
He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He especially loved spending time with his family. We fondly remember him saying, “How’s it going, young fella?” and “love ya, sugar babe.”
Ted is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Walter, Adam, and Joe Karniss.
Ted is survived by his sons, Tony (Cathy) of Chehalis, Allen (Mary) of Menlo and David of Littlerock; daughters, Celia (Steve) Milanowski of Pe Ell and Barbara (Tom) Epling of Chehalis; grandchildren, Joseph (Misti) Milanowski and their children, Sophia and Isabelle of Pe Ell, Emily (Dave) Frasier and their children, Merissa, Adam, and Tyler of Menlo, Amy (Mike) Johnson of Pullman, Joni (Roger) Nelson and their children, Liam and Henry, of Toledo, Kevin (Brandy) Epling and their children, Emree and Kinslee, of Winlock, Kyle (Meghan) Epling of Port Orchard, Lucas Karniss of Littlerock; and his sister, Celia Graham, of Roseville, Calif.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Maple Street Manor for the care and unconditional love they showed Ted during his residency there. You are all angels. May God bless each and every one of you.
Per Ted’s wishes, no services will be held.
