Living his best life, just shy of 78 years, Karl George Dilling left this world exactly the way he

would have wanted it: Spending the morning with his family and watching airplanes from his

porch as they dipped water from the river. After some projects involving both a 4-wheeler

cruise and time on his tractor, he passed away suddenly at his home, immediately surrounded

by his family. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Florence Dilling; his

brother, Jerry Dilling and his sister, Karen McLaughlin.

Karl was married to his high school sweetheart, Virginia (Bush) Dilling, for 56 years. They

remained in the area and raised their 3 children: Jaime Palmer, Darin Dilling, and Rache' (Steve)

Alsept. Combined, their kids gave them some of their most treasured gifts; 7 Granddaughters:

Shalin (Matthew) Hendershott, Jalee Palmer, Hannah Palmer, Katie (Spencer) Hunt, Riley (Ryan)

Alsept-Willis, Savannah (Henry) Johnson, Karli Palmer; along with 7 Great Grandchildren:

Mattie, Morgan, Damon, Holden, Hudson, Virginia, and Elliana.

Karl grew up in Cusick working the family dairy farm on the land now known as Riverbend. After

graduation from CHS, Karl spent his military active-duty years in the US Navy, which included a

tour in Vietnam on the USS Bon Homme Richard aircraft carrier. Following his active duty in the

Navy, he completed his military career in the Seabee Reserves, retiring as a Navy Chief Petty

Officer. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the military and friendships with his fellow veterans

that continued until his parting. Karl loved his line of work and retired from Inland Power &

Light as a lineman. As in the Navy, he valued his friendships with his fellow lineman throughout

his life. We only use the word "retired" because he stopped going into a daily job. However, he

probably worked more after retirement…. Karl was not one to sit still, he always had a project

going, if not 10 of them. He began his retirement by building a home on the river and

completely renovating the land itself. He loved to tinker around his shop and had become quite

the woodworker in his woodshop, where one could often find him. He was always fixing

something or creating a mechanism to make it better, he often jokingly referred to himself as a

"Genius" when his plan worked. If he ran out of projects at his own place, you could see him on

the daily riding his 4-Wheeler to one of his kids' places or often a neighbor's house. His love

language was helping others and he did this on the daily. The family wasn't surprised to hear so

many neighbors mention things he did for them on a regular basis or just showed up to help at

the perfect time. That was Karl, he loved bigger than himself, always wanted better for others

and was more than happy to lend a helping hand. Karl always had a suggestion of how to go

about it, which 99% of the time worked… encouraging his belief that he truly was a genius.

Karl was so much to so many. The one thing about Karl is he thoroughly enjoyed life. Whether it

was his family, the military, being a lineman, helping others, or working the land; he was having

fun, always in a good mood and always happy to see you. He was one of those that made

everyone feel important and touched lives everywhere he went. Karl will be extremely missed

by all those he ever interacted with. The family wants to send a HUGE THANK YOU to all those

that responded. The response team was absolutely incredible. The kindness, efficiency and

compassionate support was extraordinary, and we appreciate everyone involved. To the

community, your support and kind words mean so much, thank you! A special thank you to

Officer K. Olsen and Paula Davis; your empathy and professionalism will never be forgotten.

Karl was private about his faith in God. He was irrefutably a believer in Christ which was

demonstrated in how he loved and lived his life.

(John 17:3) "And this is eternal life, that they know You; the only thru God, and Jesus Christ

whom You have sent."

The family invites you to join them from 12:00 – 4:00 PM in a Celebration of Life on his

birthday, September 25 at 81 Dilling Rd Cusick, WA.

His all-time favorite meal of cheeseburgers with K.M.P. will be served at 12:30. Taps and color

guard will be at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made to the Seabees Scholarship Fund for children

of Seabees to continue their education. www.seabee.org

Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services in Newport WA is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com .