Gary George Karkheck, 76, went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 12th, 2020.
He was born June 4, 1944 in Oceanside, New York, the son of late Henry and Emma Karkheck, who immigrated from Germany. He was the youngest of 7 siblings.
He was a devout Christian with unshakeable faith. He loved God, his family, his country, and his friends. Uncle Gary was a wonderful, warm-hearted, much-loved family member and friend who will be greatly missed.
He enjoyed Nascar, guns, reading, spending time with family, meeting friends for coffee, and shopping on Amazon!
He graduated from Dixie Hollins High School in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He served on a nuclear submarine in the U.S. Navy and was very proud to be a U.S. Veteran.
Gary was later employed by Florida Power and retired with over 30 years of service.
He was very active in the Via de Cristo community and served as a Rector.
He was a long-time member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and served on the Board of Elders. Previously, he was a long-time member of Garden of Peace Lutheran Church.
Gary is survived by his son, Curt Karkheck of Michigan; his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Betsy Sebade of Mission Viejo, CA; his sister-in-law, Marsha Karkheck of Seminole, Fl; his sister-in-law, Herta Sebade of Wehdel, Germany; his nephew and Godson, Michael Karkheck (Rawtie Puchoon) of Largo, FL; his niece, Krista Morio (John Morio); his niece, Erin Macking (Tim Macking) of St. Petersburg, FL; his nephew, Karl-Friedrich Sebade of Wehdel, Germany; his niece, Doris Buck (Ingolf Buck) of Wehdel, Germany; his niece, Ira Etzel (Frank Etzel) of Algermissen, Germany; his niece, Ria Garner (Ingo Garner) of Lehrte, Germany; his nephew, Derek Sebade of Arizona; his niece, Dorothy Broersma (Jim Broersma) of Laguna Beach, CA; his niece, Doreen Viola (Pat Viola) of Commack, NY; his niece, Diane Rebori of Largo, FL; his nephews, Hans Sanders and Chris Sanders; his nephew, Jeff Dobbs (Linda Dobbs) of Mesa, AZ; his grandchildren, Hannah, and Josh Karkheck, and Gabrielle Puzon of Michigan; his great-grandchild, Aubree Puzon of Michigan; his great-nieces Jennifer Carrigan, Mandi Karkheck, and Marenda Macking; his great-nephews, Matthew Karkheck, Tristan Tyler, Brendan Macking, and Noah Macking; numerous great-nephews and great-nieces, “adopted” niece, Janet Golden (Jim Golden) and Jillian Golden, and many wonderful friends.
Gary Karkheck was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Emma Karkheck; his brothers, Herb Karkheck and Christel Sebade; his sisters, Greta Strack, Katie Quinn, and Maryann Dobbs; his nephews, Brian Sebade and Paul Kuhl; and his niece, Janet Braun.
Please join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of our dear uncle, Gary Karkheck.
The memorial service will be on Tuesday, October 27th at 6:00 pm
at Our Savior Lutheran Church at 301 58th Street S, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Please plan to join us for light refreshments after the service, in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Sonbeam Via de Cristo (https://sonbeamvdc.org/weekend-info/) or
Our Savior Lutheran Church (https://oursaviorfl.org/donate/)
Final military honors for Gary will be at Bay Pines National Cemetery at a later date to be determined.
Veterans Funeral Care is handling final arrangements. https://veteransfuneralcare.com
We miss you and love you Uncle Gary. You are now at peace, reunited with your brothers, sisters, parents, and friends. We love you. Erin, Tim, Marenda, Brendan, & Noah