James 'Jim' Allen Karlin, 69

| March 17, 2022 12:00 AM

With great sadness, and love in our hearts, we announce the passing of James “Jim” Allen Karlin, on March 5, 2022, at the Logan Health Medical Center, with his daughter, his only child, Kenzie Rae Holdorff, of Kalispell, by his side.

Jim was born Aug. 14, 1952, in Dickinson, North Dakota. Jim was number nine of 10 children. Jim spent just over 35 years working at Plywood Plant of Plum Creek in Columbia Falls, and later went on to spend several years driving city buses for Eagle Transit. Jim also worked part-time at the Daily Inter Lake, before retiring to care for his bride of 46 years, and angel in heaven, Rita Claire Karlin. Jim and Rita were married on July 1, 1975, and were inseparable until Rita was called home on Feb. 21, 2021.

Being a father, and a grandfather was one of Jim’s biggest joys in life. Very few were known to have crossed paths with Jim without hearing a story about his daughter, or one of his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Kenzie Holdorff “Love Bug,” and son-in-law, Timothy Holdorff, of Kalispell; along with three beloved grandchildren, who miss him dearly, Eric Hauser (10), of Minot, North Dakota, Eli Holdorff (7) and Abigail Holdorff “Lady Bug” (5), of Kalispell; as well as three sisters, Doreen Frankenhauser, Corliss Butzlaff and Carol Haag, and one brother, George Karlin; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents, Rudolph “Rudy” and Hedwig Karlin; and five siblings, Janette Nicklaus, Gloria Clarke, Kathy Armstrong, Duane Karlin and Darrell Karlin.

Cremation has taken place. Those who knew and loved Jim and/or Rita are invited to attend memorial services on Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m., at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell. Memorial services will be in honor of both Jim and Rita.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.