Kathryn Leigh Wasem

Kathryn (Katie) Leigh Wasem was born April 15, 1958, in Clarkston, Washington to Cliff and Dorothy Wasem. She passed into the loving arms of Jesus on March 9, 2026. Katie was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Rick Wasem and Jon Wasem. She is survived by her sister Anne (Jeff) Ogard, sisters-in-law Chris Schmidt Wasem and Brenda Imel, niece Merrilee (Drew) Thompson, and nephews Matthew Ogard, Jonathon Wasem and Stephen Wasem.

Growing up in Clarkston, Katie was very involved in music. She played piano; and saxophone in band and the high school jazz ensemble. She lent her beautiful soprano singing voice to the high school girl’s trio. Her undergraduate studies took her to the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, and Eastern Washington University where she earned her degree in history. Later, destined to be a Coug, she completed her graduate degree in Pharmacy at Washington State University. Her professional work began at Wasem’s Drug in Clarkston, where she joined pharmacists father Cliff and brother Rick in the three-generation family business. Like Cliff and Rick, Katie was committed to continuous learning and helped many customers to take an integrative approach to their health, incorporating natural medicine. In 2002, she relocated to Silverdale, Washington, continuing her work as a pharmacist and putting down deep roots in Kitsap County. She was a 50-year member of the P.E.O. sisterhood, a docent at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, and a member of Anchor of Hope Church.

Katie had a bold and adventurous spirit and was determined not to let her fear of flying limit her love of travel. She took flying lessons, successfully landed an aircraft, and learned all she could about airplanes, taking a special interest in World War II-era military planes. She also had a deep love of road trips and regularly attended the Reno Air Races and explored much of the United States. Favorite international travel included England, Scotland, and a cruise through the Panama Canal. While she loved her time on the road, she was happiest at home with beloved beagles Belvidere and Remington, against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and her spectacular flower garden.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Katie’s life on Saturday, May 2nd at 2pm at Silverdale Lutheran Church, located at 11701 Ridgetop Drive NW, Silverdale WA. A reception will follow at the church.