Vergie Irene Karlson

Vergie Karlson passed away on January 25 in Newberg, Oregon, after fighting multiple rounds of cancer. She was born to Francis T. Ginther and Vergie Clem Ginther in Portland, Oregon. She attended Whitaker Grade School, Jefferson High School, and Oregon State College. In 1961, she married Ernest Karlson in Orenco, Oregon, after meeting him in a dance class at Portland State University. In 1965, they had daughter Julie, and in 1967, their son Kurt completed the family. In 1970, they moved to Tigard, Oregon, where their home soon became the gathering place for the neighborhood kids, with hot chocolate for all on snow days, and rides for all to the swimming pool in the summer.

Vergie worked for the Tigard School district for 20+ years as a substitute secretary and then as the “Warden” in the In School Suspension room at Fowler Jr. High. She enjoyed quilting and was an active member of the Tualatin Valley Quilt Guild, where she took part in retreats, monthly sew days, and served as coordinator of the charity quilts program.

In 2009, the family welcomed Kurt’s son Nolan, and she began her new career as Grammy, taking an active role in caring for him.

She will be greatly missed by her husband Ernie, daughter Julie (Ken), son Kurt, and grandson Nolan, several nieces and nephews, as well as her “bonus kids” and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ike and Vergie, and her brother, Gene Ginther.

A family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Cancer Society, Guide Dogs for the Blind, or to a community charity.