Karl  Gileck

Obituary of Karl Edward Gileck

Karl Edward Gileck was born on December 12, 1932 to Adolph and Nora Gileck in Port Angeles, WA.  He was raised in Port Angeles near many relatives before moving to Seattle, later living in Federal Way, Puyallup, Lacey and Everett, WA.  He passed away March 23, 2023.

Karl joined the Navy in November 1951, and married Wilma Washkuhn in December 1951.  He served on a destroyer escort and also delivered mail to the sailors.  He was stationed in Honolulu prior to Hawaii becoming a state.  He returned to Seattle, serving in the Naval Reserves and raising three daughters.

He married his second wife, Marilyn Summy in May 1960, raising two sons and another daughter.

Karl had a lengthy career as a heavy equipment Operating Engineer, later becoming Superintendent.  He was very proud of the projects he worked on including the extension to the Honolulu airport for five years.   He enjoyed the company of many visitors during that time.

Karl was a jack of all trades which was appreciated by both family and friends.  He was known for both his practical jokes and his generous nature when it came to helping others.  He took pleasure in restoring and selling antiques, always keeping an eye open for a nice piece.

Karl enjoyed playing card and dice games.  He was an excellent card player, usually winning.  No one wanted to face him in a game of Hearts because they knew they would likely lose.  He enjoyed travelling which included trips to Europe, New Zealand and Australia as well as a number of cruises.  Often these trips included his children and their spouses, and later companion, Peggy Ramsay.

Hobbies included making jewelry which he crafted for both family and friends.  On a trip to Australia, he brought back raw Opal and made a number of beautiful pendants.  He was in his element when making jewelry.  In his younger years, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends.

After retiring, Karl wintered in Arizona enjoying the sun. visiting swap meets, and making jewelry.  He spent summers travelling and visiting his children.  In 2020, he moved to Everett, WA to be closer to his daughter Karla, often travelling to see his daughter Lisa in Texas.

He is survived by six children: Kathleen Larsen (Mark), Karla McGuire (Michael), Karen Brantner (Larry), Keven Gileck, Lisa Stelter (Bill) and Karl Jr.; eight grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

Service will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042.  In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made in his honor to the organization of your choice. 

Share your memories with the family at www.beckstributecenter.com.

Monday
24
April

Service

1:00 pm
Monday, April 24, 2023
Tahoma National Cemetery
18600 SE 240th Street
Kent, Washington, United States
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