Caroline M. Karas

Caroline M. Karas, age 90 of Park River formerly of rural Lankin passed away Monday, January 30, 2012 at the First Care Health Center of Park River. Caroline Mary Shirek was born February 22, 1921, the daughter of Mary (Bina) and Jerry Shirek in Perth Township, Walsh County, ND. At age 8 the family moved to Minneapolis, MN where she graduated from Roosevelt High School. After cosmetology school she owned a beauty shop. During World War II she built airplanes like Rosie the Riveter. When Joe Karas was stationed at Ft. Snelling, he met Caroline. They were married November 29, 1944. They farmed near Lankin until 1978 when she moved to Park River, where she lived for 34 years. She lived a short time at Borg Pioneer Home in Mountain, ND. Caroline was dedicated to her family. Her many talents included sewing, needlework, ceramics, playing the piano and accordion, singing with the Czech Singers, square dancing and gardening. She was a charter member of the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Auxiliary in Lankin. She was a 4H leader, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Altar Society, former member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne, ND and St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Lomice. She is survived by her children: Carol (Gary) Johnson, Buffalo, MN; Joseph (Debby) Karas, Lankin, ND; sister, Dorothy Lansing, Phoenix, AZ; sisters-in-law: Alice Karas, Grafton, ND; Henrietta Karas, Lankin, ND; Sister Margaret Mary Karas, St. Paul, MN; special friend: Roman Dube, Pisek, ND; grandchildren: Jo Carol (Noel) Westphal, Paula Johnson, Brent (Amanda) Johnson, Korrin (Sam) Loo, Katherine (Graham) Hopper, Joe Karas, Jake Karas, and Emily (Mike) Bibow, her great grandchildren: Mitchell, Rachel, Emmett, Sawyer, Griffin, Carissa, Elaine, Philip, Pete, Molly and Anna. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe, brothers-in-law: John and Ed Karas, Pete Webster, Mike Lansing and sister-in-law, Mary Webster. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Saturday February 4, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Park River. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM and on Saturday for one hour prior to the service all at St. Mary's Church. Interment will be at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Bechyne, ND.