Karin Elfriede Locke

Karin Elfriede Locke passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89 on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington. Karin was born on April 28, 1936, in Munich, Germany, to Katharina Schaffner and Alfons Rosenwink.

Karin married Milton Duane Locke, a U.S. military serviceman, during the post-occupation period in Germany following World War II—a time that profoundly shaped her life and ultimately led her to the love of her life. Together, they moved to America to start a new path and raise a family. Milton preceded her in death on May 17, 1995. Karin never remarried, dedicating herself to her family and community. She lived primarily in Puyallup, Washington, and at Mason Lake in Grapeview, Washington.

She was a devoted and loving mother to her four children: Barbara Shank, Barry Locke, Christa Able, and Michael (Kelly) Locke. She was also blessed with seven grandchildren - Jeremy Shank, Shannah Young, Vanessa Yates, Kyle Able, Richie Able, Joshua Locke and Ryan Locke - as well as their families, including five great-grandchildren. Karin is also survived by her siblings, Helmut Rosenwink and Sieglinde Fischer, who reside with their families in Germany, and was predeceased by her brother Alfons Rosenwink.

Karin lived a life of selfless service - not only in the loving care of her family, but also through extensive volunteer work. She assisted those in need at St. Francis House in Puyallup, served meals to the homeless at the Puyallup National Guard Armory, and served lunches to students at Bellarmine High School, St. Patrick's, and All Saints, where two of her grandsons attended. She helped inmates learn to read at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton, knitted socks for Step By Step in Puyallup, and volunteered at shelters and food banks throughout the Puget Sound - always finding ways to give of her time and treasure.

Music was one of Karin’s greatest joys—she played many instruments, but was most often seen with an accordion on her lap, sharing her talents and love of music with others. She also sang in the church choirs at All Saints Catholic Church in Puyallup and St. Edward Catholic Church in Shelton. As a devout catholic with a deep faith she was a valued member of these communities. She loved snow skiing, knitting, cooking for others, socializing over coffee, and tackling crossword puzzles, never finding enough to satisfy her sharp mind.

Karin’s legacy of love, faith, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Church, 503 3rd St SW, Puyallup, WA 98371, followed by a reception at the church. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. at Gethsemane Cemetery, 37600 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003. In keeping with Karin’s lifelong commitment to service, donations of time or gifts to the charity of your choice in her name are welcomed in lieu of flowers.