Karl Weber

Karl Jonathan Weber, 98 of Quincy, moved upward to his eternal home on Sunday, February 27, 2011 after a full and purposeful life.

He was born to Henry, Sr. and Katherine (Amend) Weber at the Quincy homestead on September 25, 1912. His parents and extended family were among the earliest pioneers of the Quincy Valley, settling southwest of town in 1902.

Karl, with a "K", was #7 among 10 siblings. He grew up on the family farm, and liked to tell people that he lived his whole life ? mile from where he was born. The only exception to this was the last 2 years of his life, when he became part of the loving "family" at The Cambridge Assisted Living in Quincy.

Karl was a farmer all his life in the true sense of the word. It was truly a passion for him, not just a job. It was joy to him to harness his horses and mules to the plow or drill and later to ride the caterpillar tractor on both sides of Babcock Ridge. This daily routine of dust and sweat continued until his early 90's, when he retired. He loved to glean apples in the fall, squeeze the juice, and take his precious "gold" to friends and neighbors. He also lovingly tended his garden each year, always sharing his bounty.

Karl went to country school in a 2-room schoolhouse near his home, and later graduated from Quincy High School, class of 1930. After graduation, he farmed with his brothers and spent winters packing apples for Skookum in Wenatchee.

He met and married Erma Dittus in 1948, making their first home on Babcock Ridge. They had 2 boys and spent 36 years together until Erma's death in 1984 as a result of an automobile accident.

Karl married a second time to Emma Terpstra in 1987. They spent 14 years together until Emma's death in 2001.

In his latter years, Karl enjoyed meeting and conversing with friend's old and new, singing "Quincyland, My Quincyland", on summer bus tours and sharing stories about the early pioneering "good old days" of the Quincy Valley.

Karl was a man of simple, yet deep faith in God. He began each day with prayer & Scripture and loved to attend his weekly Bible study group.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Cambridge, Dr. Voorhies, Quincy Valley Medical Center and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Cambridge Assisted Living, a nonprofit charity in Quincy, Washington.

Members of Karl's Family: Sons Russell (Marla) Weber of Junction City, Oregon; David (Harriet) Weber of Quincy, Washington; grandchildren Julie Larsen, Jon Weber, Kris Weber and Tim Weber; great-grandchildren Esmund, Lina and Karlee Weber; brother Ben Weber of Three Hills, Alberta; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives Erma & Emma, his siblings Lena, Henry, Jr., John, Bill, Fred, Samuel, Dan and Ernie, and grandson Aaron.

Although he saw the evolution from sagebrush to server farms, his spirit of faith, family, friendship and community stayed as constant as the Quincy wind. We remember him not only for his loving, caring and compassionate spirit, but for the family man that helped shape the next generation.

 Dad, grandpa and great-grandpa - you will forever be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as you are with us wherever we are. We thank you for being you.

A celebration of Karl's life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church in Quincy.

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their guest book at www.scharbachs.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Scharbach's Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy.