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KARL STURDY Obituary
Karl Duane Sturdy was born on March 2, 1959 in Yakima, WA. He passed away suddenly from an aortic aneurysm on December 18, 2016.
After spending the first 10 years in the Lynnwood area, his parents moved to Mount Vernon. Karl attended Mount Vernon Christian School from 5th through 8th grade and then graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1977. He attended Skagit Valley College for two years and received an auto mechanic certificate.
After graduation, Karl joined his parents at D&B Auto Tune where he worked for 26 years until his parents retired. He finished his career at Zip Tune in Mount Vernon.
Karl was blessed to meet his sweetheart, Maria Reichlin, on December 10, 1988 while Christmas shopping with friends. They were later married on May 17, 1991.
Their two sons were 5th generation Sturdys to be raised in the family home on Montgomery Street.
Many say that Karl was a miracle working mechanic who was also a collector of several things, including cars and friends. His favorite car was the Chevrolet, as his Dad stated: Karl was as genuine as a Chevy bow tie. There is not a wrecking yard around that did not know him by name.
Stronger than his love of cars was his love of family and friends. Karl's deep love for people was evident in his bear hugs followed by one of his many corny jokes, his huge smile and intent listening while nodding his head up and down in agreement with you. Karl never hesitated to lend a helping hand!
Karl is survived by his wife, Maria, of 25 years, two sons, Justin and Jonah, his parents, Duane and Barbara Sturdy, two younger sisters, Karin Sturdy and her sons Vitali and Egor, Kay (Jim) Rabenstein and children Jay, Kim and Amy. His father-in-law, Frank Reichlin, sisters-in-law Frances Santiago, Roberta Robinson, Bev (Doug) Dimock, brothers-in-law, Charles (Tammie) Reichlin, Fred Reichlin, Paul (Janice) Reichlin, many beloved nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends that were family in Karl's eyes.
A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, December 27th at 2:00 pm at Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Bethany Covenant Church van maintenance fund or to the Karl Sturdy fund at Peoples Bank of Mount Vernon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KARL STURDY
Sponsored by JIM COFFMAN.
Denice Rochelle
January 31, 2018
Wow. I just learned of Karl's passing today. I just assumed I hadn't seen him at Zip Tune because he was busy on a car or at lunch. Feels like we just talked about classic cars and his favorite annual vacation just a few months ago. What a nice guy. I mean genuinely nice guy. I can see from all these stories and comments that he was a special human during his time on this planet.
Dave Youngsman
January 1, 2017
I met Karl as a young Chevy enthusiast myself and I remember his cars were always so impeccably done. I looked forward to seeing his projects when they appeared on Riverside, quite often he picked up someone else's semi done project and applied his vision and creativity to create something new from old. Here are a few I recall - A V8 Vega with Z28 Camaro trimmings in Black, A 55 Chevy in flames dropped from its previous life as a high boy straight axle to a low front end, An early Impala, but my favorite was the rebirth of a 69 Malibu that I had ridden in as a kid that had belonged to my buddies parents, Karl took out the 4 speed and swapped it to an auto, which was unheard of then, and made it a real beauty in red and fast of course, the only race I lost in my own Chevelle (by a bumper) but I had fun losing to Karl as he never made anyone feel beaten. I remember his quick wit and generous way of helping us younger car folks. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. The loss is hard to fathom.
JOHN & CAROLYN I H D E
December 31, 2016
SO SHOCKED,TO SEE THIS ON MY I-PAD TODAY ! WE HAVE HAD BOTH KARL AND HIS DAD,WORK ON OUR CARS WHEN THEY HAD THE GARAGE (DOWN TOWN) SO SORRY TO SEE THIS NOW ! OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILYS. ALSO DEWAYNE AND BARBARA KARL'S MOTHER & FATHER ! .
Paul Nelson
December 29, 2016
Very sorry to hear of Karl's passing. He was a great roll model, and a great Christian friend to all.
Brian Likkel
December 28, 2016
I knew Karl pretty well back in the 70's, and just thought the world of him, even though he drove Chevys! Great guy, so sad to hear he passed. My condolences to his family.
D. Dalton
December 28, 2016
My heart goes out to your family. So sorry for all of you.
December 27, 2016
As a neighbor always enjoyed Karls smile and wave as I drove down the street, as well as his advice on cars whenever I would need something--he will be sorely missed on this block--My heart goes out to the family---Steve Swedeen
Donald Allgire
December 27, 2016
Karl was my friend and my mechanic. I met him at Bethany Covenant Church soon after we joined years ago. I could depend on Karl to fix my vehicles and make me smile. We recently talked about "Fulton's Schwinn Cyclery" where he bought his bicycles and I worked back in the seventies. I miss you Karl, you brightened my life.
Lorin Vander Vegt
December 26, 2016
Karl was a good friend in high school, I have not seen him since, sad to hear this, may he Rest In Peace, Condolences to his family.
Rod Perkins
December 26, 2016
Very saddened to hear this news. Karl and I have been working on a few projects recently. His knowledge was unsurpassed. R.I.P. buddy!
Jerry and Diann Wilson
December 24, 2016
Our loss is great, but heaven's gain we can't argue with.. Maria and boys our hearts mourn with you the loss of Karl. He was such a kind soul. When Jerry had trouble with the on the 46 Karl and Duane came over to fix it.. WHat took us two weeks to figure out, took them 10 minutes to fix. We will miss his smiles and encouraging words... and so much more. You are all in our prayers as the days come and go, God is good ALL the time.. Sweet memories.God Bless you.
Rich Petteys
December 23, 2016
Duane & Barbara My prayers are with you. Karl was a joy to work with and no matter how difficult the problem he was always quick to smile. Karl was not only kind but was also very generous. I know Karl is in a better place and hope he'll save me a front seat..
May God bless and keep you.
David Clem
December 23, 2016
I am shocked and so saddened to hear about this. No matter what was going on around him, Karl always brightened the world of those nearby. My deepest condolences to his family and, especially, Maria. I am so sorry for your loss.
sharon vanderhyde
December 23, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of Karl's passing. No matter how bad your day was, Karl could change it with his big smile and of course his jokes. We feel blessed to have known him and call him a friend. The cars shows won't be the same without him there to greet every one with his cheerful personality. He will be missed by all who knew him. Maria,our hearts and prays go out to you and your family.
Ken & Sharon Vanderhyde
Bill and Ginny Noyes
December 23, 2016
What a beautiful tribute to a truly beautiful soul. It's been said that our loss is heaven 's gain. Nothing could be more accurate where Karl is concerned. Our hearts ache for his boys, Justin & Jonah, and sweet wife, Maria, as well as parents, Duane & Barbara. Our love and prayers are there with you.
Teresa Vaughn
December 22, 2016
What?????? Just saw him . . . Always such a generous person. Always had only kindness . . . So so sorry to hear this.
Dale Hektner
December 22, 2016
Knew Karl since confirmation class at
Bethany Covenant Church. Always a good and cheerful guy, so sorry to hear of his loss.
Missy Lee
December 22, 2016
I will miss your smiling face and joke when I go to Zip Tune. My only comfort is knowing you are racing down those streets of gold with your Maker. Missy Lee
Ron Curbow
December 22, 2016
Sorry to hear of your loss
December 22, 2016
Karl was the best, always kind & generous. Never heard him talk bad about anyone. I will miss my "roomie". Love to Maria and the family. Stu. Lisa & Regina Pozzi
Jennifer Wells
December 22, 2016
Karl was a great neighbor. Our family will miss our backyard conversation and Jokes across the fence. Our deepest sympathy to Maria, Justin, Jonah, and family.
Nancy Sager
December 22, 2016
Prayers for all our "Family" as God heals the hole in our heart. I guess Heaven's chariots needed Earths Best Mechanic!
December 22, 2016
Karl was one of the most kindest, gentlest souls I was fortunate enough to know. My most sincere condolences to Maria, Justin, and Jonah for your loss.
Jean Irwin
December 22, 2016
Selby and I are so sorry for your loss. We will miss his smiling face and his funny jokes. He was always a breath of fresh air. Selby and Jean
Dave and Leah Irwin
December 22, 2016
Met him a few times. His love for cars and family was above and beyond.
December 22, 2016
I became friends with Karl when I was in high school, when everyone would cruise Riverside Drive and park at Al's auto supply to compare cars. He was a great guy then and it appears that he never changed from everyone's posts. Prayers to the family and friends that are experiencing his loss.
Rick & Rose Weaver
December 22, 2016
We were fortunate to have Carl and his family come visit us,Here in Arizona.Went to the Run to the sun car show,swimming in our pool.A fun time had by all.You will be truly missed.
Polly Hagg
December 22, 2016
My thoughts and prayers to the Sturdy family.
Kathy Hill
December 22, 2016
Sure am gonna miss this guy....He was a ray of sunshine on any cloudy day! His jokes and smiles were priceless! His hugs were amazing and sincere. God Bless his beautiful family!
Christine Minor
December 22, 2016
I will miss seeing Karl's smile...the sparkle in his eyes as he recognizes you, his warm greeting, and that smile.
He was a kind-hearted man. I am blessed to be able to say I knew him.
My prayers are with you.
Ron Brodland
December 22, 2016
You will be missed a great deal Karl. I don't think I'll ever stop thinking of Kwik Karl's Kars. My prayers go out to your family.
Randy and Bonnie Moreau
December 22, 2016
A genuine great guy and a huge loss for family and community. Our hearts are hurting for you all.
Frances Reichlin-Santiago
December 22, 2016
Such a loss, but you get to join the celebration with Reny an Mom now. Sharing all my love an tears....
Cece and David Nalley
December 22, 2016
I am so sorry for your families loss. Your family will be in our prayers. I worked with Karl for a summer a zip tune and had lots of conversations about Yakima where I was born too and classic cars of course.
Jenny Rose
December 21, 2016
Karl could warm your heart just by his smile! He will be missed dearly...for everyone who knew him, it is our loss but Heaven's gain. Karl was Jesus to everyone. Prayers to the entire family.
Jim Kounkel
December 21, 2016
Will miss a whole bunch areal cool and. Hard worker God bless
Amy Duffield
December 21, 2016
Karl was a kid to be proud of!! So sorry for your loss. I loved his crazy combo of socks!! He will be missed!!
pam Aldridge
December 21, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of Karl passing. Such a shock. He will be missed by everyone that knew him, he was a genuine, wonderful person. Hugs to you all, Jackie & Pam Aldridge.
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