Charles Eugene Karner, 69, of Elgin went home to meet the Lord July 31, 2008. Born in Geneva, Illinois on April 18, 1939, he was the son of George Karner and Emily (nee Lange) Karner.
Chuck was a graduate of St. Edward Catholic High School; in addition, he attended DeVry Tech in Wheaton. He was also a 41 year member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin, and a member of the Elgin Country Club. He worked as a cement finisher for many years and worked his way to foreman and superintendent. Chuck will be remembered as a wonderful friend to hundreds of people and an icon and teacher to his children.
Chuck is preceded in death by his father, George Karner, mother Emily (nee Lange) Karner, daughter Karen Lynn Karner, and many friends.
He is survived by: his loving wife Cheryl (Olsen) Karner; three daughters, Lesa Karner-Lemcke (Rusty), Luann Karner-Sipple (Karl), Candice Karner-Bryer (Ray), one son Charles Eugene Karner (Karen); eight grand-children, Alexandrea, Karl Jr., Rebecca, Vivian, Alexander, Charles III, Jordan, Alaina and many, many friends.
Visitation will be held Friday August 8, 2008 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm at O’Connor – Leetz Funeral Home, located at 364 Division Street in Elgin. The funeral service will be held Saturday August 9, 2008 at 11:00am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 357 Division Street in Elgin, with Pastor Olin Sletto officiating. For more information, please call (847) 741-1400.
Dad;
You were and are such a good man and such an extraordinary teacher to the four of us–especially in our later years. I never dreamed you would have been on your way in 2008. You take care on the other side. I know just how amazing and awesome it is and I’d love to be there with you but I guess I’ll just have to ask BIG DADDY how long He’ll keep me waiting. All my love to you and since you are there and I’m here, please say hello to my beloved Grandparents and sister. Tell them I hope to be seeing all of you sooner than later.
Charlie;Friend and Teacher
Thanks for all the golf lessons and life skills lessons. Your advice was always solid. We’ll be missing you very much. You always had a way of cheering a person up.
Your Hacker Friends
Dear Cheryl,
We are so sorry to read of the death of your dear husband. Please accept our condolences for you and your family. You will be in our prayers. Since we are still new to Holy Trinity, we have appreciated your friendship.
Sincerely,
Herb and Louise Hedstrom
Popeye
That’s right! I didn’t forget that I use to call you that! I will never forget you Grandpa. You were the best. I remember when I was little we would take walks down by trout park and I would help you pick up nuts, so we could later put them in that big white bucket and crack ’em open! I also remember you were the one who showed me when a fruit is good n ready to eat. Right when all the juices are fresh and it will taste at its best! Also the time you made me my first screw driver! “Fill ‘er up with vodka, dash of orange juice! Dare ya go! Now drink ‘er down!” And I passed out in the chair with my mouth wide open! Drinking with you at family parties was the best! You knew just how to make a drink. I would always brag to my friends when I would bring them over. “Ask my grandpa for a drink! He makes it the best!” And your baked beans I will miss. Those were the best. Remember I would always come up to you and ask if you made them. It was those that I most looked forward to. And let us not forget Karner Christmas Cream! I would have to say that was your best yet. I’m going to miss you so much Grandpa. Now at every family party I wont here your famous laugh ring through the house. But I know you will still be there. I know you will still be there to laugh at me everytime I fall asleep with my mouth wipe open from making one of your drinks! To me Grandpa, you’re not gone. You are still here watching over all of us. I’m so happy you got to meet God. I know He will take good care of you as He always has. I love you Grandpa. I’m glad you were my grandfather and I’m so happy that it was you I get share those memories with. I could not have asked for more. I love you so much Popeye! See you around.
One of the greatest people i have ever met.
I remember Charlie as one of the happiest people ever. It seemed like no matter where he went, he always had a smile on his face and the same with everyone around him. He also had a great sense of humor. I remember he made me a bloody mary once and I asked him why it was soo strong and he simply replied, “I use tomato juice for color!” with a huge grin on his face. He will certainly be missed. I know I wont ever forget him, and neither will anyone who knew him. He’s with God now, and I know he’s making Him laugh as he did us.
Jack
Well, Dad, today begins our arrangements. We are planning a big send off for you. Send us a sign to let us know what you think. Love you LOTS
Have a great golf game up there.
the fam
08-15-2008, 02:19 PM
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Thumbs up In the lead
Every time we are off to a golf outing we ask you to put us in the lead and guess what–you do and we kick their butts! You were a great friend in life and we are missing you down here. When it comes time for all of us I hope that you lead us through those perl gates. We love you Charlie
The boys
Dad, beside the fact that I’m missing you, (what’s new) I promise you that I will take care of Mom to the best of my ability til I’m outta here too.
I really hope that all those things are true about your new home. God does only take the best so I should have known I wouldn’t have you for too long
here.
All my love
Lesa