Karl Osborne Steen passed away December 9, 2013 on Vashon Island, Washington. Karl was born on March 1, 1940, in Seattle, Washington to Frank and Gail Steen. Karl attended school on Vashon Island and in Cordova, Alaska, and graduated from Vashon Island High. Karl worked on a cattle ranch in eastern Oregon, and then went to Alaska to work at a herring reduction plant in Port Armstrong.

Karl married the love of his life, Ruth Chowning, and they moved to Cordova, Alaska to raise their two sons. Karl opened his own business servicing engines for the Cordova fishing fleet. He later went to work for the State of Alaska until he retired in 1989. Many summers were spent commercial fishing with Ruth by his side. Karl also was involved in Ruth’s business, Steen’s Gifts, in Cordova. When they neared retirement age, Karl and Ruth left Cordova and moved back to Vashon Island where they built their dream home and took on the admirable duties of raising their twin grand-daughters Francesca Marie and Jonnelle Nadine Steen, known to all as Frankie and Jonnie.

Karl was a past member of Elks International, Moose, Vashon Sportsman Club and the Vashon Yacht Club. Karl was proud of his Norwegian heritage, and was pleased to have met some of his relatives when they visited Cordova. Karl was also a gifted carpenter, mechanic, plumber, and electrician. He loved hunting and fishing in Prince William Sound with his sons and his friends. One of his early passions was flying; he was a skilled pilot, providing friends and family with many flying adventures. He was pleased that he was related to famed Alaskan Pioneer pilot Joe Crosson.

Karl is survived by his wife Ruth, sons Robert and Karl (Tess) Steen, sister-in-law Jeanne Chowning, sister Kaye (Kim Graham)Steen, brother Mark (Lynne) Steen, granddaughters Frankie and Jonnie and their friends, plus numerous cousins in Washington and Alaska.

As Karl and the family wished, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Vashon Community Care. Family and friends will remember Karl for his generosity of spirit, his ability to fix anything, his culinary skills, and his sense of humor.

Ruth, his wife of 51 years, says, “Karl was larger than life and always made us feel safe and snug.”

Paid Obituary.