Carl J. Ronning

Carl Jennings Ronning died on Oct. 2, 2008 at his home in Freeland.

He is survived by his wife Jacqueline, daughter Laurie Sebring (and husband Terry) of East Wenatchee, and his son Breck (and wife Susan) of Granbury, Texas. Carl is also survived by stepdaughters Marianne Hatfield (and husband Paul) and Pamela Kniseley (and husband Jack) of Whidbey Island; stepsons Dave Hepburn (and wife Bobbi) of California, and Rick Hepburn (and wife Debby) of Virginia; and by four grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Polly Ronning, in 1998.

Carl was born Sept 24, 1918 on Puget Island, near the mouth of the Columbia River.

Carl was the first male valedictorian from Wahkiakum High School in Cathlamet, where he graduated in June 1936. He was an honors graduate at Washington State University, and passed the test for his certified public accountant (CPA) certificate while still in college.

Carl had an extended military career for 23 years, both as an active duty (in World War II) and a reserve officer, where he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. He was employed as director of internal audit for the Title Insurance and Trust Company in Los Angeles, Calif. He retired from both military duty and business in 1981 and moved to Puyallup, where for a number of years he was a fire commissioner for South Pierce County Fire District 2.

In 2002, Carl married Jacqueline Hepburn and moved to their home in Freeland.

Carl leaves behind many loving family members and many good friends. He loved his Wednesday night poker and his Friday nights at the Rod & Gun Club. And most of all, Carl left with best wishes for all and gave thanks to God for the life he had lived.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland, at 1 p.m. on Oct. 24.

Memorials in Carl’s name may be made to Senior Services of Island County of Friends of Home Health and Hospice, 101 Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239.