GEORGE J. KARELS

GEORGE J. KARELS George J. Karels, 72, of Holmen, WI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Benedictine Manor in LaCrosse,WI. George was born February 17, 1946, in Caledonia, MN, to Lawrence and Leocadia (Becker) Karels. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and Loretto High School in Caledonia. George married Victoria Traff on June 14, 1969. They later divorced. George married Sara Bahnub on December 27, 1986 and they later divorced. He drove school bus for the family bus business in Caledonia, and then was maintenance supervisor for the LaCrescent School District for over 30 years. George was Karaoke King, a Vikings fan, a deer hunter and he always had a project to work on. He was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. George was known for always having a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was proud of his children and adored his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his special friend, Ruth. He is survived by his children, Janelle (Dennis) Liebe of Plover, WI and Kraig Karels (Rachel Ramsey) of Lodi, WI; grandchildren, Makayla (Drew Nolli), Noah, and Braedyn Liebe and Laini, Stella, and Rowena Karels; step-daughter Kari (Butch) Harvieux, step-grandaughter, Alexis Anderson; siblings, Muriel (Dick) Loomis of Caledonia, Donald Karels of Caledonia, Leland (Ruby) Karels of Blaine, MN, Wilfred (Suzie) Karels of Alexandria, MN, Kathy (Al) Copeland of Rockton, IL, Mary Karels of Madison, WI, Nathalie (Tom) Weibel of LaCrescent, and Julie (Larry) Burroughs of LaCrescent. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Vernon Karels, Joanne Brague, Virginia McCauley, Jerry Karels, and Terry Karels, and 2 nephews, David Loomis and Mark Karels. The family wishes to thank the staff of Orthopeadics 4th floor at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital, Benedictine Manor and Bluffview Memory Care for their exceptional care of George. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Saturday, November 17th at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Stephen Abaukaka will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Friday at McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

GEORGE J. KARELS

February 17, 1946 - October 31, 2018