Sam M. Krahenbuhl

Samuel Marvin “Sam” Krahenbuhl, 85, lifetime Upper County resident and retired Chief of the Cle Elum Police Department, passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Viewing will be Thursday, March 5 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Johnston & Williams in Cle Elum. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6 at the Cle Elum Community Church with military honors and burial to follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Park. A reception will be held at the Cle Elum Senior Center that afternoon following the formal services.

Sam was born on July 9, 1940, in the old Cle Elum Hospital, the youngest of four children born to Jake and Ruth (Gray) Krahenbuhl. Sam attended Cle Elum High School, graduating in 1958. Shortly after, he proudly joined the United States Navy and served a three year tour before his honorable discharge in 1961.

Sam met the love of his life, Karen, at a mutual friend’s wedding reception. From the moment he saw her, he knew she was the one. They were married on June 20, 1964 and together built a life rooted in love and deep devotion to family. They welcomed two children - daughter Deborah and son Andrew – and were endlessly proud of their grandchildren and their great‑grandson, who brought them immeasurable joy.

In 1971, Sam joined the Cle Elum Police Department as a patrol officer. He served his community for 24 years, with over half of those years as Chief, before his retirement in 1995. He loved the city of Cle Elum and considered the people of his community family. He belonged to numerous clubs, including the Roslyn Eagles, the American Legion post #8 and was a past president of the Cle Elum Kiwanis.

Both Sam and Karen were overjoyed to see their family gathering and making memories in the home they cherished for more than 50 years. Following retirement, they traveled extensively with their good friends Bill & Sally Nelson. Sam enjoyed sharing jokes, telling stories and spending quality time with loved ones. Sam’s legacy lives on in the community he served, the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched with his humor, loyalty, generosity and unwavering dedication. He will be remembered for his one-liners, none more so than his famous advice he shared with a grin: "Don’t be yourself, be nice!"

Sam is survived by his daughter Deborah; son Andrew (Stephanie); grandchildren LeRae (Chance), Hailey (Juan), Hunter, and Heather; and great-grandson, Tanner. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Karen; his parents Jake and Ruth; brother Jim; and his sisters Patricia “Pat” Glondo and June Vrtnar.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. You are invited to leave condolences for the family at www.johnston-williams.com