Joseph A. Audo

Joseph August Audo, “Joe Caboose” , 87, lifetime Cle Elum resident, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the KVH Hospital in Ellensburg following a stroke. His graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Laurel Hill Memorial Park with a gathering to share stories to follow at the Cle Elum Eagles.

Joe was born on July 12, 1938 in Cle Elum to Joe & Viola (Chicklinsky) Audo. He grew up in Cle Elum and graduated from high school in 1956. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and served exactly four years before his honorable discharge in 1962. Joe married Wanda Cavallini on May 31, 1969 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum.

Joe worked a large part of his career for the Milwaukee Road until they ceased operations in the PNW in 1981. In 1982, Joe and Wanda purchased the former "G & E" Tavern at 115 E. First Street and re-named it "The Caboose", a hat tip to Joe’s main job with the railroad. They sold the tavern in 1992 and retired to the home they had built in 1974 on Airport Road. It was then that he and Wanda enjoyed life and did some traveling, especially to Hawaii, Reno and Jackpot, Nevada.

A couple years following Wanda’s death, Joe sold the house on Airport Road and moved into the Cle Elum Manor where he has resided since that time. He enjoyed playing pull tabs and socializing with his friends at many local establishments and never missed a Seahawks game on TV.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife Wanda and brother Carl. He is survived by a large extended network of nieces, nephews and cousins in the Fudacz, Larimer, Cavallini-Mosselli, Stanavich, Hill, and Aherne-Troxell families, along with many friends around the Upper County,

Memorial contributions in Joe’s honor are suggested to any charity that directly benefits the residents of the Upper County.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com