Katherine M. Karna

Katherine M. Karna, 90, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, in Portland, Oregon.

Katherine Mathilda (Haggren) Karna was born on January 6, 1923, to Mike and Hilja Haggren of Elsie, Oregon. Along with her parents, Katherine and her siblings, Herman, Lila, and Elina Haggren, moved to Astoria, Oregon, soon after the Tillamook Burn ravaged their homestead in 1933.

As an adult, Katherine was employed as a secretary when she met Kaarlo Karna, a boat builder in Astoria. They were wed on October 12, 1947, at the Zion Lutheran Church. Katherine and Kaarlo were married for 59 years and had two children, Michael and Susan Karna.

Katherine was an avid traveler, who enjoyed many adventures with her husband exploring the Hawaiian Islands, Finland, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest.

Hard working, cheerful, and devout, Katherine cherished time spent with family, friends, and her church. She enjoyed charitable service to her community, gardening, reading, the arts, and caring for her two little dogs.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kaarlo, in 2006, her granddaughter, Rachel, in 1973, and her daughter, Susan, in 1969.

Katherine is survived by her son, Michael Karna and his wife, Belle, of Astoria, Oregon, her grandson, Christopher Karna and his wife Christine, of Valdez, Alaska, and two great-granddaughters, Natasha Elizabeth and Katherine Rose Karna of Valdez, Alaska.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 19, 2013, from 2-5 p.m. at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 20, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hilltop Church Of The Nazarene, 725 Niagara, Astoria, Oregon. A reception will follow at the church.

Graveside Services with Vault Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Ocean View Cemetery, Warrenton, Oregon.

Memorial Contributions may be given to a charity of one’s choice.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com