Kenneth Karlas
Rosewood Heights |
In Loving Memory of...
Kenneth Paul Karlas
January 19, 1953 ~ October 27, 2014
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, died Monday morning in his home, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Among many things, Kenny was an avid outdoorsman, who was devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a lover of all wild animals, including his 12 ft. Burmese Python, Chloe: Lizzy the Lizard, Shelly: the fifty pound, South African tortoise, his puppies: Pebbles, Lil' Duke and his dog and best friend, Bobo.
Anyone who met Kenny was left with a very strong impression of a man so full of life and love. He was owner/operator of Karlas Construction Co. for over 35 years, where he employed many of his best friends including: Clyde, Kenny, Allen, Tracey, Terry, Garry, Brandon, Turtle and Ron. He was known throughout the community by many who loved and respected him for his humor, kindness, humility, and mostly for the ability to make everyone feel special. He was born a natural practical joker and loved to give those close to him a good laugh.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Kathy (Baker) Karlas; his children, Mikey, Kerri and Tommy; his grandchildren, Elle, Evan, Haley, and Elaine; his mother, Gladys (Deatherage) Karlas; brothers, Steve (Robin) Karlas, Bobby Angie) Karlas; sister, Susie (Jerry) Wenzara and Alice Goewey (Gerry Forbes); our beloved aunt, Maxine Calhoon and family; brother-in-law, Brad Baker; sisters-in-law, Karen Baker-Brncic and Barbie (Chad) Baker Tyler; also survived by many nieces and nephews who he adored and teased a time or two, Aaron and Nathan, Chris and Christine, Nick and Katie, Marissa, DJ, Derek, Dylan, Delaney.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Karlas; his in-laws, Jim and Elaine Baker; and great nieces, Paige Audrey Karlas.
My mom and dad spent a life of love, hard work, compromise, and difficult times. Most of their days were filled with joy and happiness, raising their children, grandchildren, running a household and a business. Forty-three years ago my parents met at the early age of of 15 and 17 and decided to start a life together; soon after came the family and the business they built together from the ground up. My dad made the most of every moment of his life. We will keep him with us for every moment left in ours.
There are so many people who have been a special part of Kenny's life who are a part of our family; Bob Quandt, Elmer Valladares, Becky and Joey Berlingeri, Linda and Joel Richards, Kathy and Dave Hunter, Debbie and Bill Jones, Julia Paul and family, Adam Cartwright, Ceci and Denny Cartwright, Alex Macias and family, Layne, Ward, Matt and Josh, Dennis, Logan, Angie, Kristen.
A special thanks to Amanda from BJC Hospice, Marty from Marks Mortuary, Paul and Erin from "High Flyer's Grill", for being such a great support to my family.
We will be having a prayer service at Marks Mortuary in Wood River at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 1st and a celebration of Kenny's life following the service at "High Flyer's Grill".
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Kenny's name.
Mark's Mortuary
