Katie Rose Kladnik

Katie Kladnik passed away on July 21, 2016 at her home in Cle Elum surrounded by family. She had recently celebrated her 88th birthday.

Katie was a woman loved by many for her kind heart and hospitality. Her cooking was renowned, as was her generosity. She always put the needs of others before her own.

She was born at the family homestead near Cle Elum on July 8, 1928. Her parents, Frank and Regina Dalle, were Italian immigrants who ran a dairy and Italian grocery store. Her humble beginnings and a strong sense of family began to shape her into the beloved woman she would become. Born one of seven children, she learned the importance of hard work, helping others, and Italian cooking secrets.

Katie graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1946. In 1947, Katie went on her first date with Ray Kladnik, a local coal miner. He would steal her heart and they would be married in 1948. His Slovenian heritage and traditions would become woven into hers throughout their 57 years of marriage.

She worked multiple jobs over the years including Twin Pines Drive In, Pardini’s Department store, Hallmark, Cle Elum Drug and Cavallini's Pharmacy.

Over the years, Ray & Katie enjoyed traveling to see family in Europe. They kept in contact through letters from family and friends who spanned the globe.

Her breadsticks were a family favorite along with her ravioli, spaghetti sauce, risotto, polenta, and apple pies. She used ingredients she found in the forest like wild huckleberries and mushrooms along with items grown in her own garden. Ray used to tell her “Ma, this is the best meal you've ever made!” after each meal. Both Ray and Katie loved listening to polka music.

In 2010, Katie was selected as the Cle Elum Pioneer Days Queen. Katie never looked for recognition or attention, but she was delighted with this honor and loved waving to the crowd during the 4th of July parade.

She enjoyed playing Pinochle with her friends Angie Briski and Doris Maras. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Roslyn. The church and congregation were very important parts of her life.

Christmas was her favorite holiday. She took great pride in decorating her home and choosing special gifts for those closest to her, especially her great grandchildren.

She was active with Relay for Life. She was a member of Sons of Italy Italian Lodge, American Fraternal Union, and a 64 year member of the Cle Elum Eagles Lodge.

Katie and Ray had three children, Kathleen, Kenneth, and Keith.

Katie was preceded in death by her husband Ray and granddaughter Rebecca.

She is survived by her children Kathleen, Kenneth (Ann), and Keith (Julia). Grandchildren, Scott (Tracy) Peterson, Jeff (Linette) Peterson, Matt (Grace) Kladnik, Melissa (Nick) Singletary, Ivre Kladnik, and Vanessa (Vince) Stone. Great grandchildren, Jack Peterson, Fiora Peterson, Jaden Peterson, Mia Peterson, Polly Kladnik, Kubby Singletary, Maggy Singletary and Emmy Singletary. She is also survived by her sister Regina Deneaux.

Memorials can be made to KVH Hospice or the Episcopal Church of the Holy Resurrection, 304 N. 2nd Street, Roslyn, WA 98941.

Arrangements under the direction of Cascade Funeral Home, Cle Elum, WA.