Don was united in marriage to Eloise V. Gallo on June 20, 1953. He was employed by the Racine Journal Times for 37 years, including 28 in the Circulation Department, with 15 years as manager, plus 9 years as Community Relations Manager. He served 45-years as a Director and Secretary of the Journal Times Employees Credit Union.
Don was actively involved in numerous community organizations. He was President of Tex Reynolds Toys For Tots from 1981 until his death. He spent close to 35 years as Secretary of Good Fellers Inc. His 38 years on the Racine County Traffic Safety Commission included 37 as chairman. Don also served on the Racine County Sheriff's Department's Citizen Advisory Committee for close to 20 years. From 1979 to 1985, Don was Co-Race Director of the Lighthouse Run, and Director from 1986 to 1995. He was inducted into the Lighthouse Run Hall of Fame in 2003. Don also spent 7 years on Racine United Way campaigns.
There were also work related endeavors, such coordinating logistics for cross country ski races during winter carnival and indoor softball tournaments. Don was involved in athletics from an early age, including baseball and basketball. He played local organized baseball starting in 1943 on such teams as the Racine Elks and Kenosha Royals, and finished his playing days with softball in 1963. Don wanted to continue a connection to baseball by umpiring city league softball, including a number of championship games at Horlick Field. He helped mentor his son, Tom, who also umpired softball for 30 years, and now Don's grandson, Andrew, is giving it a try behind the plate. First-year city umpires were required to attend Don's easy-to-understand classes for 7 years. During the winter, Don tried officiating volleyball for the City of Racine, which he liked for 17 years.
Survivors include his loving wife, Eloise; his children Dr. Mary Karkow of Brookfield, James Karkow of Connecticut and Thomas Karkow of Racine; his three grandchildren, Kathryn Karkow and Aaron Karkow of North Carolina, and Andrew Karkow of Racine; along with brothers-in-law and and sisters-in-law. His parents preceded him in death.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Friday at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, in Don's memory, the family supports donations to Tex Reynolds Toys For Tots, Saint Lucy Catholic Church, and Society's Assets.
The family wishes to thank all those who provided care to Don, including Society's Assets and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice.
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888
No comments:
Post a Comment