Klaras Dietmeier Ihnken, 91, passed away peacefully on January 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, January 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.