John Earl Karcis

John Earl Karcis, age 91, died peacefully on August 6, 2018.He was born July 15, 1927, in Tampa, Florida to Emily and John Karcis.

When John was three years old, the family left Florida. Driving north, they resettled in Detroit where young John grew up. He graduated from Southeastern High School in 1945. He then served in the Army where he worked to bring the U.S. Army troops home from all over the world.

After being discharged from the Army, he attended the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1951 with a degree in Engineering. While attending the University of Michigan, he met his then to be wife, Mary Ellen Boyle. After graduation, he worked in Detroit for ten years before moving to Grand Rapids in 1962 with his young family. He then worked as a sales engineer for Revere Copper & Brass until 1969 when he realized an opportunity to be self-employed as a manufacturer’s agent. He embraced that opportunity and covered the areas of western Michigan, northern Indiana, and Chicago before retiring in 1992.

In retirement, John enjoyed his membership in Golden K Kiwanis and volunteering in many activities including his fun times at Feeding America and Kids Food Basket. He also enjoyed the winter months spent in Florida playing golf with friends and singing in the park choir. He enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, especially the trips to Hong Kong, China, Brazil, and Europe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emily and John Karcis, and his in-laws, Nell and Joseph Boyle.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Mary Ellen. He is also survived by his children: Amy Karcis; Julie Karcis and Jim Seward; Dave and Mary Karcis; and Mary Kay and Keith Hopkins in addition to eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. There will not be a public memorial service.

Memorials may be sent to Feeding America, 864 W River Center Dr. NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321 or Kids Food Basket, 2055 Oak Industrial Drive NE, Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

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