David Lee Karow
David Lee Karow, age 60 , of Merrill, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family. Dave was born April 26, 1949, in Merrill to Oscar and Mary Ann (Rakow) Karow. He married the former Karen Birnbaum on August 31, 1974, in Merrill. She survives.
Dave was a 1967 graduate of
Merrill
Senior High School
. He then attended the UW Stevens Point. Dave was a Medic in the U.S. Army, serving in
Viet Nam
from 1969 to 1971. When he returned, he worked for Semling-Menke Company in Merrill until 1976. He then joined the Merrill Fire Department and was an EMT until retiring as a Lieutenant in 2002. Dave was a member of
Trinity
Lutheran
Church
in Merrill. He was president of the Firefighters Union for 14 years. Dave was a member of VFW Post 1638, the Eagles Club and the Edgar Steam and Gas Engine Club. He was the Chairman of the MDA Shamrock Promotions for 20 years. Dave was an auctioneer and realtor. He was proprietor of Precious Metal Salvage Comp. and an avid collector of paper weights, coins and antiques. Dave and Karen hosted the Rakow family reunions since 1980. He planned and built a log home in the Minoqua area, of which he was very proud. Dave also built a cabin for his brother Dennis and helped him with the maple syrup production there. His construction projects included building an arbor for a lakeside wedding for his daughter Krista and an
Ice
Castle
in Merrill for the wedding of his daughter Mindy. Dave was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and loved hunting, fishing, canoeing, golfing and spending time with friends and family.
Dave is survived by his wife, Karen of Merrill. His Mother, Mary Ann Karow, of Merrill. 2 daughters; Krista (Gregory) Johnson of Lac Du Flambeau and Mindy (Jason) Daley of Merrill. One brother, Dennis (
Sharon
) Karow of Merrill. 2 sisters; Lola (George) Devine of La Crosse and Lorie Karow of Merrill. 3 grandchildren;
Wasanodae
and Koen Johnson and Isaiah Daley. Also many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar and 1 nephew, George Devine Jr.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at
Trinity
Lutheran
Church
in Merrill. The Rev. R. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Friends may call on Monday from 4 PM until 8 PM
at the Waid Funeral Home and again on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until the hour of services at the church. VFW post 1638 will provide military honors.
The family requests memorials be given to
Trinity
Lutheran
School
or
Caring
Bridge
at
www.caringbridge.org
. Online tributes may be made at
www.waidfuneral.com
. The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
