Karl Thomas Roeber

Karl Thomas Roeber (Tom) passed away May 16, 2024, at the age of 77. He was born in Chicago, IL on February 11, 1947, to his parents Donald and Joan Roeber (Freeman). His father was in the Air Force, so they moved around a lot but eventually resided in Fircrest, WA. He graduated from Curtis High School in 1964, studied at Central for a few years and then joined the Navy in 1967. He was stationed in Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico which is where he met the love of his life, Blanqui in 1968. In his own words, “it was love at first sight - not just with Blanqui but with the entire family”. They were married on August 31, 1969 (according to him) and December 7, 1969 (according to her). Their only daughter, Nikole Marie was born in 1972 and he always called her his “sunshine and blue sky”.

Karl, his “formal” name, graduated from University of Washington and worked as a Tort Claims investigator for the Washington State Attorney General from 1972 until 2000 when he retired. During his 1st retirement, he helped take care of his oldest grandson Evan who he loved spending time with. He decided to go back to work for a few more years (based on Blanqui’s recommendation) at the Washington State Treasurer’s Office from 2006 until 2009 when his youngest grandson Thomas was born. His two grandsons were his life. He enjoyed teaching them how to fix things, how to fish and how to love unconditionally. He always talked about living vicariously through them and wanted to know every detail about their high school and college adventures.

Tom loved music, especially Spanish music. One of his favorite songs was “Por Amor” which was played at their wedding on December 7, 1969, at San Jorge Catholic Church in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He regularly asked Alexa to play Cuban music at night before he and Blanqui went to bed. He also had an incredible sense of humor. Despite spending time in and out of the hospital, he never lost this and brought joy (& sometimes annoyance) to those who met him. Even those that met him briefly mention what an impact he made on their lives. He was sarcastic, funny, insightful, and witty. He cracked jokes with everyone, and we will all miss his “Dad Jokes/Puns” that he regularly posted on Facebook. He had an incredible ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed.

He leaves behind many loved ones including the love of his life for 54 years, Blanqui, his only daughter Nikole, son-in-law Matt, grandsons Evan & Thomas, older sister Donna (Mick), and younger brother John (Kim). Blanqui’s sisters Luly, Mercy, Mary (John) & Rosie (Kenneth). Blanqui’s brother Jose (Gloria), 9 nieces, 3 nephews and many cousins and relatives across the world.

There are no words that can clearly communicate what he meant to all of us or the huge hole we now feel in our hearts but the legacy he left behind and the impact he made on so many lives is what we will always treasure.