Surrounded by his family, which was the center of his life, Karl Kronlof of North Bend passed away March 29 of a massive stroke.

Karl was born March 1, 1932, in Vora, Finland. He immigrated to the United States in 1958, followed by his wife Anita and son Kent five months later.

Karl worked in the dairy industry for 48 years. His work as a dairy technician began in 1955 after he graduated from the Swedish Theoretical Dairying School in Finland. His career took him to Sweden, Finland and the United States.

Karl had been a member of Teamsters Local 66 for 32 years while he worked at the Foremost and Carnation dairys in Seattle. He lived in Bellevue, where he and Anita raised their two children, for 26 years.

After moving to North Bend in 1990, Karl worked for six years at Normanbrook farm in Snoqualmie. He enjoyed his position at Normanbrook the most. His expertise in all aspects of the dairy business was greatly appreciated. He enjoyed seeing the cows that were the bases for his famous chocolate milk and seasonal eggnog.

On March 1 Karl celebrated his 72nd birthday, and on March 17 he and his wife Anita celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Karl was the number-one fan of his granddaughters. He could be seen on the sidelines cheering the girls on as they played soccer for Cascade Select and Mount Si High School.

His and Anita’s passion was hiking and backpacking in the Cascades and Sierras. They could be seen daily hiking the trails in and around North Bend.

Karl was preceded in death by both parents, Werner and Marie; and his older brother, Paul.

Karl is survived by his wife, Anita; his son, Kent, his daughter, Monica and son-in-law Randy Russell; his cherished granddaughters, Brook Violet Russell, Ariel Rose Waddell and Taylor Blue Waddell, all of North Bend; his dear cousin, Violet Hauskins of Aberdeen; and three nieces.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, April 4, at the Finnish Lutheran Church in Seattle. Karl was laid to rest at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bellevue.

Karl will always be fondly remembered as “Morfar.” He will be greatly missed.