Walter "Pete" E Kluth Jr.

Walter Ewart "Pete" Kluth Jr. was born February 3, 1940 in Sunnyside, WA.  As a young lad, his Father Wally asked him his name and he replied “Peter Cottontail” and that the nickname Pete was with him for the rest of his life.  The family lived on Beckner Road until moving into town in the winter of 1948 before a blizzard hit.  Pete contracted polio at the age of 10 and recovered very well.  Pete graduated from Sunnyside high School in 1958.  He attended college then moved to Seattle to work at Boeing, something he loved to reminisce about.  After his father, Wally, bought the Townhouse Richfield in Sunnyside, Pete worked for his dad making many friends and telling many stories of the days at the gas station.   

Pete was united in marriage to Virginia Grace Wright on February 10, 1968 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sunnyside, WA.  After Wally sold the station Pete started working in the radiator business until the mid 1980’s when he established his shop at his home on Lester Road in Outlook, WA.  Pete was recognized as a Master Radiator Technician and enjoyed his customers who became his friends.  He restored several cars and enjoyed working on lawn mowers.  He was known for his one owner 1968 Green & White Ford Pickup, which is still running.  

Pete was over the moon when his daughter, Robyn was born.  Pete would bring her over to his parent's house with a 6' 4" Pete and tiny little Robyn slung over his shoulder with her diaper bag.  Rusty was born and completed his family.  Pete was a very hands on caring dad to his children and loved being a father and grandfather. 

Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia "Gini" in November, 1997, son Russell “Rusty” in 2011, and his parents Wally and Mabel Kluth.  He is survived by his daughter Robyn Kluth, Sunnyside & partner, Dave St. Arnold; brother Michael (Jackie) Kluth, Washougal, WA; sister Karen (Bill) Anderson, Camas, WA; grandchildren Sydney & Bradley St. Arnold; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. 

Graveside Inurnment will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA. Those wishing to sign Pete’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematory in care of arrangements. 

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