Elmer Karczewski, 92, of Easton, Kansas, died April 3, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. He was born April 15, 1930, in Paris Township, to Sygmond and Helen (nee Fishman) Karczewski.
On July 19, 1952, Elmer married Shirley Poisl. She preceded him in death April 16, 1997. He later married Helen Noll Miller on May 25, 2002. She preceded him in death June 27, 2021. He is also preceded in death by his parents; two sons, James and Daniel; and three brothers, Edmond, Eugene and Walter.
Elmer had a lifelong love of agriculture including gardening, raising cattle, poultry and pigs, canning, and winemaking. He enjoyed music, playing the harmonica and accordion, and being involved in his church choir. He loved his God, his family and his country. He considered raising eight children as his greatest achievement in life. He was well known for his quick wit, infectious laugh and storytelling. Elmer was a member of the Knights of Columbus; the Easton Lions Club and taught Catholic youth lessons.
Elmer served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. He received Medals of Meritorious Service, Small Arms Expert, Air Force Good Conduct, Grand Aggregate Distance Shooting, Center Fire Aggregate, and National Defense Service in addition to Recognition for Service during the Cold War.
Following service to his country, Elmer went on to own “Elmer’s Milk Route” for 22 years, the last home dairy delivery in the region. The last 18 years of his career was serving the Leavenworth School District driving bus for the Easton Bus Service.
Elmer is survived by six children, Jerry (Claudine) Karczewski of Sodus Point, New York, Sandra Gonzales, Phoenix, Arizona, Cheryl (Cory) Rathbun of Ellsworth, Kansas, Gloria (Jeff) McKeever of Topeka, Kansas, Daryl (Sharon) Karczewski of Kure Beach, North Carolina, and Marilou (john) Karczewski of Pensacola, Florida; daughter-in-law Kathleen Karczewski of Ellensburg, Washington; brother Arthur Karczewski, of Antioch, sister Ernestine Iannello of Litchfield Park, Arizona; 27 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his late wife Helen’s children, Larry Miller, Peter Miller, Thomas Miller, Mark Miller, Ruth Miller, Audrey Miller, Mary Miller, June Gerety and Keith Miller.
Visitation was held Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at St. Joseph of the Valley Church. Burial followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph of the Valley Church or Leavenworth VA Medical Center.
Well-wishers may visit www.leintzfh.com.
-
-
-
-
-