Linvel Karres' Obituary
Linvel Carl Karres passed away peacefully, with his cherished wife of 61 years, Patricia, and four children by his side, in the home he built for his family in 1957. Born in Cleveland to Edward and Gertrude Karres on 6/26/1927, he grew up during the Great Depression with four siblings, three that have gone before him: Edward, Irene, and Julian. Close sister, Loretta Pumphrey, resides in LaGrange. Linvel is an honorary graduate of North Ridgeville High School and the famous school he referred to as "Hard Knocks". After his tour of duty in the U.S. Navy he used the G.I. Bill to open his own business, a gas station and auto repair shop in North Ridgeville called Lenny's Garage. He became Operating Engineer in 1948 remaining a member of the union his entire life. His true passion was farming. He sowed and harvested sometimes over 1,000 acres a year of grain crops in Lorain County. He had a natural green thumb and a love of the earth and nature, especially local wild birds. He also raised livestock, partnering with Purina Corporation in business ventures over the years. Linvel was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He and his wife Patricia Ann (Stokes) were married in 1949 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Elyria and enjoyed an active social life between their homes in Ohio and Florida. He enjoyed travel, card playing, and most of all, being with his family. He was an honored partriarch to all of them.
He is survived by his son, Linvel E. Karres (Mary), daughters Diane M. Kershaw (Joe), Kathleen A. Patton (Charles), and Kimberly M. McCauley (Tedd); Grandchildren, Kirstin, Allison, Megan, Jessica, Weston, Colleen, Erica, and Seth; Great Grandchildren, Skylar and Lukas.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Peters Catholic Church in North Ridgeville on Saturday, May 15th, at 10 AM. Family and friends will gather at the VFW at 500 Abbe Rd, in Elyria, for a "celebration of life" after the service. Memorial contributions in Mr. Karres' name can be made to New Life Hospice, 3700 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH 44053.
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