Sunnyside, Washington - Karl Joseph Staudinger, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on September 12, 2025 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia.

Karl was born in Yakima on July 1, 1950 to John and Minnie Staudinger. He spent his childhood running through the orchard, driving tractors, shooting hoops, playing the piano, and helping his dad on the farm. He played every sport he could and was a standout in football, basketball, and baseball for Wapato High School. With two older brothers he used to joke that he was known by his parents as John Jerry Karl. He was fine with that as long as no one called him late to dinner. Following high school he attended Columbia Basin College on a basketball scholarship and later transferred to Central Washington University.

In 1972, Karl married Marilyn McDonald. Both graduated from CWU and became teachers. After teaching for one year, Karl was asked to help run his father-in-law's farm due to the unexpected deaths of Marilyn's older brothers, Danny and David. He then farmed for over 40 years, growing pears, apples, prunes, cherries, and hops. Karl was also President of the Board of the Yakima Bait Company for many years.

Karl's pride and joy was his family. He and Marilyn had four children, Joelle, Tara, Kurt, and Katie. He coached their basketball teams, drove them to countless practices, fixed made-to-order meals, and taught them to value hard work and commitment.

Karl had many hobbies. He loved the outdoors and spent time fishing, boating, and playing tennis. He was a pilot for a time and loved every minute! Karl was a musician -- his piano playing (and occasional singing) filled his home with music. He was close to his brothers -- the three played tennis together once a week for many years -- and their families spent lots of time together. A loyal friend, Karl remained good friends with his buddies from Wapato his entire life.

Karl and Marilyn were married for 53 years. In those years they celebrated the birth of 9 grandchildren and mourned the loss of their only son Kurt. What they loved most of all loved traveling around to see their children and grandchildren. Though Karl's disease was unkind to him, he remained the same gentle and kind soul to the end.

We miss him already and will be forever thankful that he was our Dad. In the immortal words of the Beach Boys, whom our Dad loved, "God only knows what I'd be without you."

Karl is preceded in death by his parents, his brother John, and his son Kurt. He is survived by his wife, Mailyn Staudinger; his children: Joelle (Andy) Loveless, Tara (Caleb) Curfman, Katie (Drew) Triplett; his grandchildren: Danny, Clara, and Tommy Loveless, Max, Cal, and Jude Curfman, and Anna, Edison, and Ty Triplett; his brother, Jerry Staudinger; his sister-in-law, Sarah Staudinger; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial for Karl will take place on Saturday, November 1st at 1:00 pm at the Yakima Arboretum, in the Garden Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Yakima or to Shiner's Hospital for Children in honor of Karl's memory. The family would like to thank the staff of Heartlinks for their loving care. Memories and condolences may be shared at dignitymemorial.com.