Donald Kareiva
Age - 92
December 6, 2023
Don Kareiva was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who was respected and loved by all who knew him. Throughout life, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family; adeptly taking advantage of the many opportunities that came his way in an entrepreneurial spirit. Also a veteran, he spent four years as an Army intelligence investigator based out of Milwaukee. Don was raised in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago, working in his father's butter and egg business, and later, in his father's tavern, Bill K's. He attended Marmion Military Academy high school, followed by DePaul University where he earned a BS in Economics.
He met and married the love of his life, Carol and together they raised their son, Don, Jr. and daughter, Karen in Chicago's Canaryville neighborhood. He was an active member of St. Gabriel's parish where he was in charge of the CCD religious education program for many years. Don's amicable personality made him an outstanding salesman, but he also wore many other hats such as a hard working business owner of a truck servicing company, as well a restaurateur.
After retirement, Don and Carol moved to Valparaiso and cemented himself as a community leader. He was elected to the board of the Lakes Area Conservancy District where he worked to ensure sustainable clean water for north Valparaiso. He also became the treasurer for The Salvation Army of Porter County where he was best known for planning the annual Easter breakfast and egg hunt for multiple years.
Don is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Carol, his daughter Karen, grandson Mike Dunbar, great-grandson Jack, his brother Bill (Lil), nephew David Hermann, niece Sharon Kareiva, as well as great-nieces Nicole, Danielle and Amanda, great-great nieces Alice Rose and Riley, and loving cousin and friend to many. He is preceded in death by his son, Don, Jr. , his parents, sister Marilyn Zelasko, in-laws Rosemary and Charles Hermann, nephews Charles, Jr. , Kenneth, Daniel and Phillip.
Don will be remembered with love and eternally missed by all who had the fortune to know him.
Services at McInerney Central Chapel, 4635 S. Wallace Street, Chicago, IL 60609 on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 3-8pm. Funeral Saturday , December 9, 2023 9am at funeral home, to 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gabriel Church. Burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Please visit DONALD KAREIVA book of memories. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit http://WWW. CHAPELC. COM or FACEBOOK. COM/FUNERALMC. For information 773 268-0703 or 773 581-9000.Show more
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