Emil Karlen passed away on November 21, 2008 in Portland , OR.
Emil was born on March 31, 1922 to John and Bertha (Wiese) Karlen on what was the White Rose Dairy that was owned by his family. It is now known as Persimmon Golf Course in Gresham. His family moved to the Boring area in the early 1920’s and he resided there until his death. He attended Boring Grade School and Sandy High School.
On August 31, 1947 Emil married Mildred Spady and they made their home in Boring. Emil was a dairy and berry farmer. In the 1960’s Emil served on the Board of Directors of the Gresham Cooperative for six years. Emil and Mildred also owned Mt. Hood Refuse Service until his retirement in 1977. His favorite hobby was growing a bountiful garden and he loved supplying produce to friends and neighbors. After his retirement he continued farming, gardening and enjoyed traveling. He enjoyed his daily visits with friends at various coffee shops.
Emil was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Mildred. He is survived by son Tom Karlen of Cove, OR; daughter and son-in-law Karen and Bob Hatch of Jackson Hole, WY; daughter and son-in-law Mary Lou and Toney Grossman of Great Falls, MT; daughter Jan Karlen of Boring, OR; and brother John (Bob) Karlen of Boring, OR. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be held Tuesday, November 25, and Sandy Funeral Home from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. A private interment for immediate family will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham. A memorial celebration will be held on November 26, at 3:00 p.m. at the Persimmon Golf Club. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Doernbecher’s Children’s Hospital.