March 5, 1930 - October 19, 2016
George James Karnas, age 86, of Bloomington, formerly of Richfield. Survived by Lois, his loving wife of 65 years; children, Kate (Bob) Garwood, Jim Karnas, Mike (Joan) Karnas and Darcy (Mike) Shannon; grandchildren, Matt (Sarah), Jim (special friend, Sara), and Luke (Sami) Karnas; Chris, Aaron and Andrew Karnas; Emily (Mike) Hojjat; Patrick (fiancee Rose) Shannon and Danielle Shannon; great-grandchildren, Kaelyn Shannon, Leo and Eddie Karnas; sister, Marguerite "Babe" Olson; nieces and nephews. George was devoted most to his wife Lois and his family. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren around the holidays or a visit. He was also dedicated to his community, and to youth in Richfield. He retired as Senior Vice President of Inflight Service from Republic Airlines and was Past President of the International Food Service Association. He was a veteran of the Korean War and served as Commander of the Minneapolis-Richfield American Legion Post 435. He served as Chairman of the Richfield School Board; was Past President of the Richfield Chamber of Commerce, and a former member of the Richfield Optimist Club. His love of baseball began when his sons were old enough to sign up for Little League, and it never stopped. He was coach for Richfield Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth and American Legion Baseball teams; served as Director 5 Legion Baseball Director and as State Director of American Legion Baseball. He was a Larry Farrington Award recipient and a member of St. Richard's Catholic Church for 57 years.
Memorials may be given to St. Richard's Capital Campaign or Richfield Baseball, Inc.
Visitation
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
9:00 - 10:00 AM
St. Richard's Catholic Church
7540 Penn Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
10:00 AM
St. Richard's Catholic Church
7540 Penn Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Interment
Ft. Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55450
Private Interment
My deepest sympathy. Knew George from my earliest days at North Central. Also he was court announcer when my son played basketball at Richfield High School.
We give sympathy to the entire Karnas family. Mr. Karnas was truly dedicated to the citizens and most notably, the youth of Richfield. I remember many a time seeing him in his baseball uniform coaching the kids. A man we could all admire and respect! The City of Richfield and the Richfield American Legion have lost a truly, good man!
Lois &Karnas family: Phyllis & I send our deepest sympathy to you. I work with George and kept in touch with in a varity of ways. He truly was a dear friend and we enjoyed many gatherings with im both in our relationship in being with North Central/Republic airlines for many year and we value our friendship with him. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Phyliss & Al Jaeger