Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Karl (Lani) Wols passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of Oct. 4, 2026, with family at his side. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, respected business owner, and cherished friend.
Born Sept. 15, 1941, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a graduate of Wy’east High School’s class of 1961, Karl went on to build a life marked by hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit. He was the founder and owner of the family’s Karl’s Kustom Meats and the Odelli for nearly 20 years. He also owned Karlan Construction, operating in Spokane, Washington, and Hood River, Oregon. Karl was well known for his exceptional customer support and for standing behind his work with dependable guarantees. His commitment to quality and customer satisfaction earned him the trust and respect of those he served.
Karl (Lani) had a deep love for fishing and treasured the peace and enjoyment he found on the water. Whether casting a line or sharing stories about his fishing adventures, this pastime brought him great happiness and many cherished memories. He was also a member of River of Life Assembly, where he valued faith, fellowship, and community.
Karl (Lani) is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia (Green) Wols; his children, Don Wols (Karla) and Debi Gallagher (Dale); his five grandchildren, Amber Shewey (Bobby), Breanna Wimber (Erik), Brittany Wols, Deirdre Wols, and Trenton Gallagher (Maddie); his two great-grandchildren, Chloe Shewey and Trevon Shewey; his three stepchildren, Brenda Bounds (Eric), Brigette Phelps, and Nathan Phelps, and six step-granddaughters, Ellieana Grund, Julia Bounds, Kendall Sales, Brynley Phelps, Mariella Phelps and Eva Phelps.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joann (Roberts) Wols, who passed away in February 2013, and his faithful best friend, Bridges, a Yorkie whom Karl lovingly cared for more than 15 years.
Karl’s (Lani’s) love for his family, passion for fishing, strong work ethic, faith, and dedication will remain part of the legacy he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Karl’s (Lani’s) life will be celebrated on Nov. 21 at River of Life Assembly at 10:30 a.m. Additional service details will be shared with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Columbia Gorge Humane Society at www.columbiagorgehs.org. or to the River of Life Assembly building project at secure.myvanco.com/L-ZWKW/campaign/C-16KFK. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.