John S. Karlock

John S. Karlock

John S. Karlock: father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away February 2, 2025 at 91 in his home in Anaconda Montana. He was known as Karlock to his friends, Papa Kahana to his grandkids and dad or pops to his kids. Whatever you called him, he would remember your name, the date you met, and every significant event you ever shared.

His phenomenal memory, sense of humor and story telling gift cannot be understated. We grew to appreciate his disappearing upper lip when trying to discern truth from fiction. But his true superpower was his ability to make you feel special. His mastery of his IPad and FaceBook enabled him to stay connected with so many people even when getting around became difficult. He might not have understood the poop emoji, but then again, maybe he did…

What we do know, is HE was the most special dad and papa we could have asked for. And while we will miss him terribly, our memories of all the good times we had together will last our lifetimes.

Born in 1933, dad grew up in Anaconda up on Sunnyside where his dad was the town Iceman. Dad’s stories about delivering ice to the bars in town, hunting with his dad, fishing and hiking with friends, and buying and driving an old Model T at 12 years old were some of his best. He often said he had the best childhood imaginable.

As a young man, he worked as a switchman on the Butte Anaconda Pacific railroad. He married his sweetheart Patricia Frith and had five children: Kathleen, Michael, Gerard, Jolene and Patricia. Gerard passed shortly after birth. In 1969 the family relocated to Seattle Washington where dad was employed at the Port of Seattle as an ILWU Local 9 Warehouse Foreman. In 1974 mom and dad divorced, but remained friends until mom passed in 2014. After 26 years at the Port, dad retired and purchased a home in Anaconda. He spent his remaining years splitting his time between his daughter’s homes in Seattle and his place in Montana.

Dad is survived by his daughters Kate (Chuck) Deaver, Jolene (Ron) Culler, and Trish Nelson. His grandchildren Katrina (Phil) Day, Joe (Sara) Deaver, Jillian (Beny) Turner, Zack (Mukisa), and Jessica Nelson, and great grandchildren, Isabelle, Cooper, Mason, Hudson, Adalynn, Roman, and Christian. He was proceeded in death by his beloved son Michael John Karlock, and beloved son-in-law, David Nelson.

A celebration of life will be held in Anaconda on 8/2/2025 at a location to be determined.