Karla Annette Kragelund

Karla Annette Kragelund Karla Annette Kragelund, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and dedicated educator, passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on February 2, 1953 in Spokane Washington to Catherine and Carl Kragelund, Karla grew up surrounded by a close-knit family who nurtured her lifelong passion for learning. Karla’s education journey began at Marycliff High school on Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood. She received her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University and her Master’s degree from City University. She began her teaching career in Roseburg, Oregon, and while it was the spark igniting her long teaching career, Roseburg was not her passion, so she moved to Vancouver, Washington where she found her home in Evergreen School District at Crestline Elementary. She taught special education and several elementary grades. Karla quicky became involved in the Evergreen Education Association, at one time serving as Vice President. She also worked tirelessly at the state level with the WEA board and later with the WEA retired teacher’s association. Karla retired from the school district in 2007 yet never stopped teaching. Post-retirement, Karla quickly became an active member of the retired teacher’s association. She became a lead presenter teaching seminars for other soon-to-be retirees. As part of this position, she traveled across Washington state, guiding teachers through their retirement process. She was still involved in the WEA retirees’ group at the time of her death. Karla believed that everyone could make a difference – even if it was one step at a time. Outside of teaching, Karla had many passions. Top of the list - puzzles (of any kind!), spending time with her extended family, playing pinochle, water aerobics and her annual trips to Cannon Beach, OR. Karla could always be counted on for her quick wit and generous heart. Karla was a wonderful, caring person. She was firm in her convictions and beliefs, living them fully every day. She did so much good for teachers and students. She led with humility and stood firm for the Evergreen Education Association (EEA) and Washington Education Association (WEA). Karla is survived by her two sisters, Kris and Karen and her brother Keith, as well as many nieces and nephews. Karla will always be remembered as a beloved sister, loving aunt, loyal friend and devoted educator. We will all miss her dearly and take peace she is in a better place, playing endless rounds of pinochle with her mom and other family members who have gone before her. Please join us for her Celebration of Life gathering, January 10, 2026, at Evergreen Memorial Gardens from 1-3pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite children's charity.

Karla Annette Kragelund

February 2, 1953 - December 12, 2025