Carl Charles Vrtnar

Carl C. Vrtnar, 98, of South Cle Elum, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Prestige Post Acute Care & Rehab Center in Ellensburg.  A military graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Roslyn Cemetery Kiosk with a reception to follow at the Roslyn Presbyterian Church. 

Carl was born on November 26, 1923 in Roslyn, Washington to George and Matilda (Rusic) Vrtnar.  He grew up in Roslyn and graduated from high school in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 19 and served towards the end of World War II, serving in the Army Corps of Engineers with deployments in Germany, Belgium and France. He was discharged at the age of 22 and returned home to Kittitas County where he attended Central Washington University, earning his bachelor's degree in business.

Carl married June Marie Krahenbuhl on December 18, 1948.  Carl’s employment with Fishbach & Moore Construction moved the couple to Seattle in 1956 and then Burbank, California in 1962. Carl worked his entire career for Fishbach & Moore, retiring as Chief Financial Officer.

Following retirement, Carl & June moved back to the upper county, residing in South Cle Elum.  June passed away in 2014.  Carl was a longtime member of the Cle Elum VFW Post, the Cle Elum-Roslyn-Ronald Heritage Club and the Croatian Lodge.  Even into his 90’s, Carl never slowed down. Folks in town would frequently see him out walking and staying active.

One of Carl’s greatest life experiences occurred in 2016 when he and his daughter, Cheryl, went to Washington DC as part of the Honor Flight program.  It was there that Carl was able to visit many of our nation’s monuments, including the World War II Memorial.

Carl is survived by his daughters Cheryl (Carl) Munson, Pamela (Donald) Bucey and Lori Groff; grandsons Matthew Munson and Andrew (Cass) Bucey as well as two great-grandchildren - Grace and David.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife June, brothers George and Rudy as well as his sister Frances.

Memorial contributions in Carl’s honor are suggested to Hospice Friends, noted for use of the benefit of upper county programs and services, 302 E. Second, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Carl and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com