Herb Karkheck, age 79, of Seminole, Florida died peacefully on November 7th surrounded by his loving family at home. Even though he lost his battle with cancer, he won his victory of eternal life. On January 14, 1940 he was born in Valley Stream, New York, the son of the late Nicholas and Emma Lumma Karkheck who immigrated from Germany. They realized the American Dream by becoming delicatessen owners where Herb first learned his work ethic. On January 27th, 1963 he married the love of his life, Marsha Karkheck, by whom he is survived. Together they shared 56 loving years of marriage.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Maryanne Dobbs, Katie Sander Quinn, and Greta Kuhl Strack, and his brother, Christian Sebade. He is survived by three devoted children: Michael Karkheck (Rawtie Puchoon), Krista Karkheck Morio (John Morio), Erin Karkheck Macking (Tim Macking), and “adopted” daughter, Janet Golden (Jim Golden). He is also survived by wonderful grandchildren: Matthew Karkheck (Kristin Hyde), Mandi Karkheck (Ryan Roberge), Jennifer Carrigan (Eric Carrigan), Tristan Tyler Morio (Shannon Rinehart), Marenda Macking, Brendan Macking, Noah Macking, Sean Morio (Melinda Morio), Tasha Morio, Samantha Puchoon, Selene Puchoon, and “adopted” granddaughter, Jillian Golden. He is also survived by his brothers, Donald Sebade (Betsy Sebade) and Gary Karkheck, and his sister-in-law, Herta Sebade.
Herb demonstrated his patriotism by proudly serving his country, joining the US Navy at age 17. He obtained the rank of Petty Officer, 2nd Class. He was stationed in the U.S., Iceland, Spain, and Italy. He was a military police officer and aviation electronics technician. Herb was an inspector at E-Systems for NASA, one of the first to graduate as a pioneer in the field of Respiratory Therapy in Pinellas County. He also owned his own home-health care business locally.
Herb was a life-long Lutheran of German descent. He was an active member of Garden of Peace Lutheran Church and later at Paradise Lutheran Church. He served on the Council and a member of the choir. He was a man of God with steadfast faith. He has dedicated 37 years as a member, officer, “joke-meister,” and “Buddy du Jour” of the Kiwanis Club of Pinellas Park. For over 20 years he served as an equipment manager for the Pinellas County elections office. He was a past board member of the American Cancer society.
Herb was very involved in service to our nations’ veterans. He was instrumental in leading the Pinellas County Veterans Council Honor Guard. He was also a board member of the Pinellas County Veterans Council. Herb was a frequent participant in the welcome home celebration for veterans on WWII Honor Flights. Herb was so proud of the numerous family members who served our country.
He was an avid aviation enthusiast as a licensed private pilot, serving for 15 years at the Lakeland Sun ‘N Fun International Fly-in. He was a member of the experimental flying club. He enjoyed building kit planes as well as wood-working. He loved fishing, traveling, visiting his cabin in the North Carolina mountains, boating, cooking, grilling, reading, studying WWII and geography, listening to music, singing in the choir, watching Broadway shows and movies, dancing with his wife, and spending time with his family and friends.
Herb was well-known for his famous Brats at the Karkheck’s annual “Oknoverfest.” Herb was a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather, loyal friend, faithful brother, devout Christian, and was at his best when helping others. Herb was patriotic, could fix anything we put in front of him, a problem-solver, had a quick-wit, a generous heart, and a kind soul.
He will be missed and remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him. His life motto was God, family, and country.
A Funeral service will be will be held on Saturday, November 16th, at Paradise Lutheran Church,10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island. Public Viewing at 12pm and the service at 1pm, followed by a light lunch.
Final military honors will be on Friday, November 22nd, at 1:30 pm at Bay Pines National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend both memorials.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Herb’s memory to either Paradise Lutheran Church or Pinellas County Veterans Council Honor Guard, 6530 68th St. N., Pinellas Park, 33781.
For Krista and family, our deepest, heartfelt condolences. Mr. Karkheck will be and is already missed. Take a deep breath knowing you one day see him again as he has gone on before you to help prepare for when others move on as well. In his loving memory, Barb & Daryl Welch.
Herb was every thing a – man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend should be. My deepest condolence.
Uncle Herb, I was so glad to see you in July in New York and was hoping to celebrate your 80th birthday with you and all the Karkheck’s. You were always a sweet gentle man and so good to our family, if it wasn’t for you and Aunt Marsha Paul would have never become a respiratory therapist, which was his career till the day he died. Oh by the way tell him, mom and dad I love them. You are going to be in good company up in heaven, rest in peace. Love, Marian
A life well lived! From the Slone family to the Karkheck family, with abiding love and deepest sympathy.
We love you forever, Pop. ❤️
Our hearts are broken & our tears were shed. Uncle Herb was an inspiration to always remember… We wish peace to our family.
My friend Herb. Wonderful memories going to hear Marcus Luttrell speak, fishing tournament, bus trips, lunch before a funeral detail. I don’t know where his energy came from! Family, church, veterans, he loved serving people. He could not say no. I always loved the way he spoke to his sweetheart Marsha. We will miss you Herb.
My prays go out to the family. Me K you will be missed.
Herb was my first Machine Manager in former Election Precinct 266, and with everything he did, he was flawless in the performance of his duties, a source of wisdom, and 100% an asset! Beyond his sustained and A+ service as a poll worker, I literally never attended any local veteran‘s funeral without seeing Herb and his veteran’s group there, paying our grateful Nation’s final respects.
Herb will not be replaced, as I know of no individual possessing his huge multitude of skills, much less volunteering them for decades upon decades. He was and remains a unique and beloved patriot.
Herb was so very special to all of us at Veterans Funeral Care. What a great and caring man!
Herb was my good friend & a soul mate for 45 years. I will miss him. God bless him, Marsha and his children. I will never forget their kindness & friendship.
Herb was a true patriot and inspiring leader of the Honor Guard…he will be missed by all of us. Carole and I will
also miss him as a friend, neighbor and member of our church choir. He was a great bass singer.
Herb, our friend you’ve earned your wings through life so fly high and proud my friend. Our sympathy to your family. Lingzi & Paul Nason
Dear Marsha, Erin, Tim and families,
I was so sorry to hear of Herb’s passing, my prayers are with him & all of you. How sad to lose him just when the Holidays are coming, one of his favorite times of the year. He will be missed & remembered. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Maureen
(Jim’s Mom)
My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Herb in 2004 when we first started as poll workers. We worked along side of him for many elections. He was always a great person to work with. He had a lot of stories to tell and we would hear many of them during our long day at the polls. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always wore a smile no matter what the day would bring. We were very fortunate to know him. He will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.