March 6, 1933 – January 24, 2023
Jean was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on March 6, 1933, to Catherine “Kate” Carey and adopted at birth by Kate’s twin brother Tom Cary and his wife Bernice.
She grew up in Wyoming, Montana, and Washington. Due to her father’s job as a crane operator with the Operating Engineers, they moved frequently; Jean attended 13 different schools. She graduated from Forks High School in 1951. After graduating, she traveled to San Francisco with her best friend, Joan.
Jean returned to Forks after that adventure and worked as a waitress at the Forks Café. One day a handsome GI, named Fred “Buzz” Klahn returning to his hometown from the Korean War walked into the restaurant and became the love of her life. Jean and Buzz were married on July 31, 1953. Son Fritz was born in 1954, daughter Melodee in 1955, son Jack in 1958, and daughter Mary in 1963.
In the late 60s, she had the contracts for two mail routes; Jean delivered mail from Forks to Lake Quinault every day while Buzz’s Mother ran the local route. In the early 70s, they bought the Hoh River Resort which they operated for several years. They built a home on the Hoh River after selling the resort. Recognizing a need, she created a trendy women’s clothing store, Fun Fashions in downtown Forks. After selling that successful business they reinvested by purchasing, The Blue Collar Deli & Mini Mart in Carlsburg in 1985. Jean drove from the Hoh River to Sequim every day to run the business while Buzz continued his work as a Heavy Equipment Operator in Forks. Eventually, Buzz retired and they relocated to reside in Sequim.
Jean and Buzz sold the Mini-Mart and opened Jeans Deli in a converted church in downtown Sequim. She ran Jeans Deli for 20 years, selling it a few years after Buzz passed away in 2001. Jean lived independently until 2021. A fall at home compounded by several injuries resulted in her moving to assisted living. Jean passed away at Sherwood Manor & Assisted Living on January 24, 2023. Jean enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, reading a mystery novel a day, and never missed a Mariners game. Her greatest joy came from her family, which continues to grow, her 8th great-grandchild will arrive this May.
She is survived by her son Fritz (Glenda) Klahn, of Forks, WA daughter Melodee Moores, of Sequim, WA son Jack Klahn, of Poulsbo, WA and daughter Mary (Terry) Wanzer of Ketchikan, AK. Grandchildren Melissa (Michael) Sterrett, Sarah (Taylor) Thorson, Thomas (Brianne) Moores, Katelyn Klahn, Emily (Brandon) Johanson. Great-grandchildren Zachary and Alexis Sterrett, Norah & Declan Moores, Xavier Thorson and Aria and Cole Johanson, sisters Mary Wallace and Goldie Southwood, numerous nieces and nephews and her former son-in-law, Lyman Moores.
Jean was preceded in death by brothers Tommy Carey, Jim Wallace and sister Edie Campbell, her parents and husband Fred “Buzz” Klahn.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” for the excellent care and compassion that she received while she resided at Sherwood Manor and Assisted living.
A celebration of life will be held February 11, 2023, at Forks Assembly of God, 81 Huckleberry Lane, from 1 pm-4 pm
