John F. Karas

John F. Karas, age 90 of Lankin, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton after a long battle with cancer. John F. Karas was born on April 15, 1921 in Perth Township, ND the son of the late John and Mary (Pich) Karas. He grew up and attended schools there. After graduating from high school in Whitman, he attended the School of Forestry in Bottineau. Following his education he worked in the shipyards in Bremerton, WA. He returned to Walsh County in 1942 and married Alice Votava on June 30, 1943 in Conway, ND. The couple lived and farmed in Norton Township. John moved to the Lutheran Sunset Home in June of 2010. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lankin, ND, the Lankin School Board, the Norton Township Board, the WCAS School Board, the Walsh County Fair Board, he was the Secretary and Treasurer of the Lankin Fire Board for 40 years, a 4-H Leader, and a trucker for the Shipping Association. He was also a member of the Lakota Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed farming and raising cattle. John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Alice Karas, Grafton, ND sons: Jack (Dorothy) Karas, Lankin, ND, David (Pat) Karas, Larimore, ND, Randy (Doris) Karas, Lakota, ND, daughters: Mary (Larry) Greicar, Grand Forks, ND, and Evonne (Hancel) Altendorf, Grafton, ND, and sister, Sister Margaret Mary, St. Joseph's Convent, St. Paul, MN. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Joseph and Edward, and sister Mary Webster. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lankin, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Lankin, ND. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Lankin, ND.