Richard E Karstetter

Richard Edward (Dick) Karstetter, 86, of Nine Mile, WA passed away May 30th, after a lengthy hospital stay, in Spokane.  He was born in Ellensburg, while the family was living in Cle Elum.  After a short time in Port Angeles, they soon moved to the Spokane Valley where Dick grew up attending St. Paschal’s Catholic School, eventually graduating from West Valley High School.  He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and upon his honorable discharge, attended WSU, eventually graduating from Spokane Community College with a degree in Fire Science.  He then began a 30 year career with the Spokane Valley Fire Department as a Fire Fighter, Training Officer and retired as a Battalion Chief.  He also spent time working at the Spokesman Review, Inland Empire Paper Company, and Perry Brothers Farm in between his shift work. 

Dick worked to build a small wheat field located in Quincy, into a much larger, family run Cherry and Apple Orchard business.  While he enjoyed working the farms, he also loved watching the sunsets from his vantage point above the Columbia River.  He spent quality time at a lake front cabin in Idaho and thoroughly enjoyed traveling to warm, sandy beaches in Mexico and Hawaii.  He also had a love of aviation and owned his own airplane for many years, along with many boats that he enjoyed spending time on, while visiting and telling stories with close family and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by both of his parents, Jared and Mary (Bator) Karstetter; his brother Jared; his daughter Christine, and son Michael. Dick leaves behind his wife of 14 years, Kay Karstetter and her children, Michelle (Ken) Dieter, and Lisa (Mike) Johnson, and her six grandchildren Travis, Jaclyn, Jen, Lacey, Melissa, Jessica, and her two great grandchildren.  He is survived by first wife Janet Karstetter and mother of his children, Sue (Mark) Kramer, Jerry (Perrianne), Kent (Lisa), and Tom (Michelle).  He also leaves behind his twelve grandchildren Mitchell, Austin, Brady, Jared, Kurtis, Cole, Michael, Mathew, Tyson, Ryan, Kyle, and Meagan along with his two great grandchildren, and his brother James Karstetter. 

Dick was one of a kind, and was as loyal and dedicated an American family man as you will ever know.  He worked tirelessly to pass on his solid values; Family, Loyalty, Hard Work, Prudence, and Love of Country to all, on his family tree.  His legacy will live on with his family and friends.

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