Karyn Anne Budnick-Haug

Karyn was born a New Year’s Day baby in 1944 in Amery, Wisconsin to parents Bill and Clara Kunkel. The last of three children, she joined older brothers Earl and Roger on the family farm. In 1948, following family members, they settled in Port Angeles, Washington. Karyn grew up active in St. Matthews Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir. Growing up with a creative mother, Karyn learned to exquisitely decorate cakes, create incredible floral arrangements and become a life long crafter. In 1962, as a high school senior, Using her singing talent, Karyn was chosen as the Port Angeles Centennial Queen, representing her city at various events and parades around the state, even attending SeaFair. Later that year she graduated from Port Angeles High School. Following her creative talents and making her dream come true, Karyn moved to Seattle and graduated from beauty school becoming a hairdresser. In 1964 she married Mike Budnick Jr. and together they welcomed their sons Will and Scott, while (later) settling in Shoreline. They enjoyed raising the boys while traveling around the Northwest and beyond, watching Mike’s softball teams, spending time with family and following the boys various sports. After many years “doing hair “ and being a homemaker, in 1980 Karyn started working at the U-District Safeway. She loved working amid the hustle, bustle and craziness of the state’s busiest store. In 1988 Karyn and Mike divorced, and in 1990 after working at Safeway for 10 years Karyn left for Icicle Seafood. Shortly thereafter, Karyn started a successful residential and commercial cleaning business which she owned and operated for 30 years, joyfully connecting with many families.

During this time Karyn met Gary Haug and they were married in 1996. Karyn and Gary loved socializing, spending time with family and friends, traveling to Hawaii and the East Coast for vacations and to visit Gary’s family. Unfortunately, their time together was cut short when Gary suddenly passed in 2008.

In her own words Karyn was “a people person”, she loved spending time laughing with cherished cousins and enjoying the company of great friends she met along her way. You all filled her heart. As a loyal friend Karyn sent cards, made calls, and often used her childhood skills to bake amazing deserts and graced many with favorite cakes, cookies and homemade treats.

After a brief illness, Karyn passed away in Seattle, lovingly surrounded by her family while toasting her life. Karyn was preceded in death by her parents Clara and Bill, brothers Earl and Rodger and her husband Gary. Instilling the love of family, to whom she was deeply devoted, Karyn is missed daily by Will and Jennifer, Scott and Jen, grandchildren Ryan and Sierra, Tate and Elyse, Kelsey and David, Cameron and Megan, and great granddaughters Isla and Olive who will greatly miss their GG. Also missing Karyn include her many dear extended family members and friends.

Karyn was fun, feisty, talented, meticulously dressed and always color coordinated, as well as an energizer bunny! She leaves us forever remembering and sorely missing her incredible talents, funny phrases and loving ways. In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass of your favorite beverage, and think of your favorite Karyn story with a smile.