Donald Gustav Karaus, Sr.

Donald Gustav Karaus, Sr. 92, of Fennville, MI passed away Friday, April 19, 2024 at Holland Hospital.  Born February 4, 1932 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Gustav Christopher Karaus, Sr. and Margaret (Doffing) Karaus and was the husband of Delores Ann Marie (Kopacz) Karaus.  Donald proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion.  He always looked forward to catching up with his Navy shipmates at their reunions and tried to attend as many as possible.   Donald was a devout catholic, having been a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Douglas for many years as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He worked for thirty-five years as a machinist in the tool and die industry and loved driving his tractors on the fruit farm for over sixty years.  Donald was also an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to be outdoors when the weather allowed.  He enjoyed cooking and always found great joy in preparing Sunday dinners to sit down to together with his family.

In addition to Delores, his beloved wife of nearly seventy years, Donald is survived by his children, Edward Karaus, Diana Decker (Vern Beilfuss), Theresa Wiley, and Don Karaus, Jr.; siblings, Ken (Dorothy) Karaus, Margaret Harshberger, Lorraine Henry, and Joyce Krzemen; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.  Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his eighteen-month-old daughter, Donna Marie Karaus; and his brother, Gustav Karaus, Jr.

The family will receive friends at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 100 St. Peter Drive, Douglas on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM and burial will follow at Taylor Cemetery, Ganges Township.  Military Honors will be rendered.  Chappell Funeral Home is assisting the Karaus family with arrangements. Contributions can be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church c/o Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 248, Douglas, MI 49406; or Christian Neighbors, P.O. Box 43, Douglas, MI 49406, in lieu of flowers.

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