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Klaras Ihnken Obituary
KLARAS DIETMEIER IHNKEN
July 20, 1933 ˜ January 5, 2025
Klaras Dietmeier Ihnken, 91, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2025, in Vancouver, WA. Born on July 20, 1933, in Minneapolis, Minnesota she was the daughter of Richard and Gertrude Dietmeier.
Klaras is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Ihnken, Patty (Ihnken) Alway; son-in-law, Russ Alway and her grandson, Patrick Ihnken; grand daughter-in-law, Naomi Ihnken
Klaras graduated from Providence Academy in 1950 and went on to spend two years at Clark College where she earned her Associates Arts degree before attending University of Oregon earning a Bachelor of Science in 1954. In 1960 Klaras went back to school earning herself a Business Administration degree from Radcliff (Harvard) University. Then in 1974, Klaras completed her Master of Education degree from the University of Portland.
Klaras dedicated much of her life to education, landing her initial teaching job, after graduating from the University of Oregon, at Vashon High School before heading overseas to teach first in Okinawa, Japan then in Germany. Returning to the states, Klaras married Ernest Ihnken at Our Lady of Lourdes in 1963. She spent the rest of her career in education first as a teacher then administrator in the Battle Ground School District. Klaras taught Math and Science at Battle Ground High School before obtaining her administrative credentials. She then served as an assistant principal at Battle Ground High School until Prairie High School was opened where she traded her stripes for wings, becoming assistant principal at Prairie. Klaras eventually retired from the Battle Ground School District after 38 years in education.
Klaras was involved in the Greater Vancouver Community as a founder of the Hudson’s Bay chapter of AAUW where she served as the Washington state president for the national organization. Klaras also served on the Fort Vancouver Library Board. She also spent time as a docent for the Historical Trust.
A joint funeral mass with Ernest Ihnken, III will be held Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 4723 NW Franklin St, Vancouver, WA 98663
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Memories and Condolences
for Klaras Ihnken
Shannon Fischer-Maerz
February 28, 2025
Klaras Ihnken was one of my favorite people at Prairie High School! She always listens to me and would laugh with me.
She truly cared about her students at PHS. I often think of her and how kind she was to us .
<3
Rose Merne Gillette
February 9, 2025
I was a long time friend with Klaras. When we met, her oldest daughter was only 2 years old. One of my favorite memories with Klaras was having a little picnic on top of Tum Tum mountain. There were around 4 or 5 of her students there with us. It was good.
I had Klaras´s dad as a teacher in Clark College. He was a brainy man.
I became a teacher myself and enjoyed visiting with Klaras over the years.
Rose Merne Gillette 91 years of age
I´m writing this out for my aunt Merne. I also have fond memories of Klaras
Cheri Gillette Mattson
Claire Smith
January 31, 2025
In loving memory from her sisters in Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
John Hall
January 27, 2025
Klaras was my Math and Physics teacher at Battle Ground High School. She was tough and fair. I learned much from her.
"Tough and Fair". That extended beyond her students. It was high praise from Mrs. Ihnken to my wife Colleen that at our wedding, Colleen spoke strongly--so that the congregation could hear her. Klaras was strongly supportive of the advancement of women.
A touchstone for my life has been whether a course of action would be something I would be glad to discuss with her.
Yearly get-togethers of former students with Klaras and Ernest have been a highlight of each year. My class of 1972 and many others have attended.
How you can show support
Nancy Gifford
January 20, 2025
Remembering Ms. Ihnken from PHS and sending my prayers and hugs to her daughter Patty and her family.
Colleen O'Neal
January 19, 2025
Klaras was one of my all time favorite persons. We worked together in Battle Ground Teachers Association. She was a passionate and funny lady who had a strong personality and didn't take any gruff from anybody. I'm sure she'll stir up heaven as well.
Cristy White-Higdon
January 18, 2025
Mrs. Ihnken was firm but fair, laying a foundation for students at Prairie High School to become responsible for their own actions.
She was also a devoted parishioner at Lourdes and I loved chatting with her and Mr. Inhken. In Fred Meyer or after mass, they always took time to share their interest in how my brother, myself, and my children were doing. She never stopped being a top-knotch educator.
Mr. and Mrs. Inhken were a joy to know. May they rest in peace and rise with the angels together.
Karyn Cowdrey
January 18, 2025
I'm so deeply sorry Patty and family. Klaras was a force to be rekoned with in all the good ways.
Cindee
January 18, 2025
Mrs. Ihnken was a huge part of my life at Prairie High School. She was our, "school mom." Loved Her!!!
We all loved her!!!
Sending the family deepest condolences
Caroline P
January 18, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Ihnken was such a wonderful lady and made a profound impact on me and my family during my PHS school years. She will always be one of my favorites. Prayers for healing during this difficult time.
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