BLUE EARTH — John Karels, age 94, of Blue Earth passed away Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, at St. Luke’s Care Center. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday Oct. 19, at the St. Luke’s Chapel, with Rev. Jan Redman officiating. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Winnebago.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Online condolences can be left at www. pattonfh.com

John Raymond Karels was born Aug. 17, 1925, to Heiko and Johanna (Klooster) Karels in Blainsburg, Iowa. In fifth grade, he and his family moved to Ledyard, Iowa, where they remained for the next 17 years. He graduated from Grant Consolidated Country School in 1944. John went on to enlist in the U.S. Army and served from 1944-1946 in WWII and the Korean War as part of the Infantry Division.

After returning home, John lived with his dad and farmed for many years. He was also a plumber for many years.

John met and married the love of his life, Merna Karels on Aug. 17, 1972, in Blue Earth. They were married for 46 years.

John enjoyed gardening, puzzles and fishing. In his later years, his grandchildren and great grandchildren gave him the most joy. He was very proud to have served his country and may have been the most patriotic person you knew. John was a member of the Blue Earth Legion and Morris and Arrio VFW in Mankato.

John is survived by three stepdaughters, Sharon (Larry) Hagge of Lake Crystal, Marlene (Chuck) Heins of Redwood Falls and Julie Danks of Redwood Falls; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; as well as many nephews and nieces.

John is preceded in death by his wife; parents; two sisters, Annetta Johnson and Agnes Patterson; and five brothers, Karl, Henry, Andrew, Bernard and Richard Karels.

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